HONG KONG – Hong Kong's government will give “priority” to a contentious bill that seeks to criminalize abuse of the Chinese national anthem, the city's leader said Tuesday, days after a pro-Beijing lawmaker wrested control over a key committee that vets bills.
The proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anthem.
Under the bill, those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, 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.