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1. 

What is Article 23, Anti-subversion Law in Hong Kong?

On 24th September 2002, at the instigation of the Chinese Government, the HK Special Administrative Region (SAR) released proposals for controversial legislation to severely punish anything Beijing considers to be seditious, subversive or a threat to Mainland security. However, the definition of precisely what activity would fit into these categories is disturbingly vague. Consequently, a diverse range of interest groups from financiers to Falun Gong, from the HK Bar Association to trade unionists, from democrats to journalists, are all alarmed that Article 23 could seriously undermine the basic civil liberties that HK has traditionally enjoyed.

The document was issued at the start of a three-month public consultation period. The Basic Law -- Hong Kong's "mini-constitution" which has governed the territory since its 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty - required an anti-subversion bill to be passed under Article 23. Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, said that the planned law was necessary to ensure national security. The government, however, was aware of the disquiet it would cause in the sensitive years following the territory's hand-over and delayed its proposal until pressure from the Mainland could no longer be resisted. Read Full Story

2. 

Who will be affected by the new security law in Hong Kong?

3. 

SCMP: New Zealand voices Article 23 fears as awareness grows overseas. SAR chiefs are questioned by a visiting Justice Minister

Senior SAR officials have been questioned by New Zealand's Minister of Justice about the impact proposed anti-subversion laws may have on foreign nationals living in Hong Kong, as international awareness of the issue grows. Read Full Story

BBC: US warns HK over anti-subversion law

The US Government has warned Hong Kong that its proposed new anti-subversion law must not harm civil liberties in the territory.

Human rights groups fear a clampdown on civil liberties

The controversial law, designed to protect China's national security, would mean that anyone found guilty of acts of subversion against China could be imprisoned for life.

Human rights and pro-democracy groups have said China could use the new laws to suppress freedoms inherited from British rule, as well as to ban groups - such as the religious group Falun Gong - it considers a threat. Read Full Story

4. 

How can you help stop the tragedy before it takes place?

If significant numbers of people declare themselves to be against the proposed legislation, the the main proponents of the change, Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Security Chilef Regina Ip, will need to seriously consider the negative impact on a society which is already reeling from an economic slump and record unemployment. . . Hong Kong is already in serious danger of losing its position as the business hub of S.E.Asia. If the current proposals for Article 23 were to become law it would sound the death knell for the Hong Kong we all know and love. Every submission counts, so please add YOUR voice to the chorus of those already shouting NO!

Every Vote counts, please send your submission and help fight for an open and free society.

Please send your vote before 24 December 2002.

Your vote will make a difference to the people of Hong Kong.

* What is Falun Gong?

* Why the Persecution?