Should it be illegal to call someone 'locust'? Protection for mainlanders dominates law debate

Tensions between Hongkongers and mainland visitors were further exposed yesterday during a fiery debate over proposed changes to anti-discrimination laws. The equal opportunities watchdog was asked whether using the word "locust" to refer to a mainlander would be a punishable offence.

Possible legislation to protect mainlanders and migrants took centre stage as the Equal Opportunities Commission opened its public consultation on the issue.

Although the review covers a broad range of topics - disability, the gender pay gap and benefits for unmarried couples - the biggest concern of more than 100 people at the Central Library yesterday involved the treatment of mainlanders and migrants.

Under current laws mainlanders are not protected against "racial" discrimination, but the commission has suggested expanding the definition.

The suggestion has raised speculation that using insulting words such as "locust" to describe mainlanders could become punishable by law.

"If a Hongkonger shouted 'locust' in the face of a mainlander after seeing him poo, would he be subjected to punishment?" a representative of Local Press, an internet media outlet, asked. "It is a moral right to condemn something wrong."