National Anthem Law won’t be enforced in Hong Kong before local legislation is passed, government confirms
Authorities clarify stance after executive councillor Ronny Tong warns of ‘grey area’ once national law is introduced into city’s mini-constitution
China’s new National Anthem Law will not be enforced in Hong Kong before a local version of the legislation is passed, the government has clarified, contradicting claims from a member of the city’s top decision-making body.
Executive councillor Ronny Tong Ka-wah had said earlier on Thursday that once introduced into Annexe III of the city’s mini-constitution, the national law would theoretically “be a part of Hong Kong law”, meaning rule-breakers could be held liable.
“From [introduction into the Basic Law] until passage in the Legislative Council, it is a grey area as to whether violating the national anthem law amounts to a criminal sentence or fine,” Tong, a barrister, told a radio programme. “Legally, can we be so certain that someone cannot be charged? I’m not so sure.”
In response to an inquiry from the Post, a government spokeswoman said that this was not the case.
“As national laws listed in Annex III to the Basic Law shall be applied locally by way of promulgation or legislation by the Hong Kong SAR, the National Anthem Law cannot be applied in Hong Kong immediately after it is listed in the annex,” she said.