National Security Bill Amendments Announced

After careful consideration of the views of the Bills Committee and concerned parties, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government announced a series of draft amendments to the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill on June 3.

“We believe the Bill and the amendments have struck a balance between the need to protect national security and the need to safeguard human rights," a HKSAR Government spokesman said, adding, “We hope the Bills Committee will scrutinize the proposed amendments and support the enactment of the legislation within this legislative year."
The main amendments include extending guarantees of rights and freedoms; further tightening of sedition offences; the removal of overlap between proscription mechanisms; and special procedures for appeals against proscription. 

In response to a statement issued by the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong, a HKSAR Government spokesman said on June 23 that the HKSAR Government was happy to note that Canada agreed that implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law required legislation and recognized that in many areas the proposals were consistent with international practice in other jurisdictions, including Canada. 

The spokesman also noted that Canada welcomed changes to provisions on sedition; to the extra-territorial scope of some offences, particularly treason; and the removal of references to the threat of force from the secession and sedition offences. 

He reiterated that the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards. 

"The power of proscription will be exercised in accordance with Hong Kong laws. All proscription decisions are appealable in the courts of Hong Kong," he said.

For further information, please visit the HKSAR Basic Law 23 website at: http://www.basiclaw23.gov.hk/.

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