National anthem law need not face Hong Kong political strains
As long as it sensibly adapted to suit the city’s circumstances, Carrie Lam is right to urge the public not to be overly sensitive
Individuals escaped any consequences then, but that may not be the case under the draft law, which calls on people to stand respectfully for the anthem.
The 2015 incident is not only a reminder that politics does not mix well with sport, but also that freedom of speech is not absolute. In a case of desecration of the national flag at a protest in 1998, our top court ruled that restrictions to protect national dignity were justified.
The law also proposes 15 days’ administrative detention for malicious revision or derogatory performance of the anthem, an example of summary process unfamiliar to Hong Kong. But subject to sensible adaptation of the mainland law to suit city circumstances, Lam is right to urge Hongkongers not to be overly sensitive and politicise it. The principle is to reconcile the upholding of due respect for symbols of national sovereignty and dignity with Hong Kong’s rule of law and freedoms.