Chinese legislature vows to listen to public feedback on proposed ‘hurt feelings’ legal change
- NPC says it welcomes active public engagement and states all feedback will be meticulously examined to refine, and possibly improve, the law
- Critics argue legislation gives undue power to grass-roots police, and may potentially stifle personal freedoms based on subjective judgment
China’s top legislature has sought to assure the public that their feedback to proposed security law amendments will be crucial, following debate about the controversial changes.
The National People’s Congress (NPC) is considering a legal amendment to punish individuals for “hurting the feelings of the Chinese nation” with up to two weeks of detention without trial.
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“A detailed report chronicling the modifications and any revised drafts will eventually be presented for review to the Standing Committee, adhering to the established legal channels,” an NPC spokesman said on Monday.
The draft amendment outlines six actions – including wearing clothing or symbols deemed harmful to the “spirit or feelings of the Chinese nation” – that could be punished. Offences under this law are not treated as crimes, but violations can still result in detention or fines and affect education and employment opportunities.
The amendment, which has drawn more than 70,000 public comments in a week, has prompted concerns from experts and lawyers about the threat of greater tension between the public and the police, potential corruption and diplomatic problems.
Critics argue that the legislation gives undue power to lower-level police, allowing them to use their subjective judgment to potentially stifle personal freedoms. The contentious amendment is the most significant alteration to the law since a minor change in 2012, and is among various proposals that include stipulations on exam cheating.