Article 23 legislation gives Hong Kong a clearer direction
- Beijing expects the local government, legislature and judiciary to implement the new domestic security law in a way that ensures the city remains an attractive place for all
Hong Kong’s historic passing of new domestic national security laws yesterday brings a long and difficult chapter in the city’s recent history to a conclusion. The enactment of this comprehensive law fulfils a constitutional duty. The legislation has been required by Article 23 of the Basic Law since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. It is long overdue.
Lawmakers, who voted unanimously in favour of the bill, conducted the legislative process at high speed. It was passed 50 days after the launch of a month-long public consultation.
There was a determination to get the job done quickly so Hong Kong could move on to other pressing challenges. The fast-track strategy allowed less time than expected for debate. But the process has been transparent, with opportunities for discussion, review and revision.
Feedback received during the consultation, comprising more than 13,000 responses, was made public. The government adopted some of the suggestions received, notably a public interest defence for state secrets offences.
Ninety-one amendments were made during the legislative process. These included changing the name of the “external interference” crime to better distinguish it from normal exchanges.