Hong Kong to prioritize passing of contentious anthem bill

Hong Kong's government is working to push through a contentious bill that seeks to criminalize abuse of Chinese national anm, days after a pro-Beijing lawmaker wrested control over a key committee that vets bills.

Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, said in a statement Tuesday that bill would be given “priority,” as Legislative Council’s House Committee — which scrutinizes bills and decides when y can be sent for a final vote — moves to resume second readings of bills.

proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-automous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anm. Under bill, those who use anm for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult anm, such as booing it during soccer games, could face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($6,450) and up to three years in prison.

contentious bill comes as differences between pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened during months-long protests last year that were sparked by an attempt to pass an extradition bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials. That bill was eventually withdrawn.

Lam said chief secretary and or officials have written to pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee, who has inserted herself as chair of House Committee, to consult with her on resumption of second reading of bills.

“Two of bills have been delayed for a very long time, and y are national anm bill and patents amendment bill,” said Lam. “So we do expect se two bills to be given priority in resumption of second readings by Legislative Council.”

Lee on Friday inserted herself as chair of committee amid shouting matches from both camps and accusations from pro-democracy lawmakers that she was overstepping her boundaries.

chairperson’s seat had previously been empty for six months, with Beijing criticizing deputy chairman and pro-democracy lawmaker Dennis Kwok of abusing his power in delaying election of a new chair, thus causing a backlog of bills.

(Im Credit: AP)