Hong Kong: Amended National Flag, Emblem bill comes into effect
The National Flag and National Emblem (Amendment) Ordinance was published in the Gazette and came into effect in Hong Kong.
A city government spokesperson said, “The fundamental principle and spirit of this legislative amendment is ‘respect’ – respect our country and respect the national flag and the national emblem, which are the symbols and signs of our country.” Adding to it the spokesperson said that the amendment provides for the use, etiquette, education, and promotion in relation to the national flag and the national emblem.
The revised bill has maintained and clarified the provisions regarding offenses and penalties, as punishment and deterrent. The Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesperson saying that this amendment particularly targets persons who conduct public and intentional acts with intent to desecrate the national flag or national emblem,
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has revised and published in the Gazette on Friday the stipulations for the display and use of the national flag and emblem as well as the flag and emblem.
The revisions include the addition of three specified days — Labor Day (May 1), the first day of the Lunar New Year, and Constitution Day (December 4) for the display of the national flag and the Hong Kong flag.
The national flag and emblem must be displayed at the oath-taking ceremonies of the chief executive, principal officials, the judiciary, the Executive Council, the Legislative Council (LegCo), and the District Council, according to the amended bill.
The design of the national emblem must be used in the websites of the Hong Kong government, the LegCo, and the judiciary.
The Education Bureau will issue a circular to schools, providing the latest guidelines on the inclusion of the national flag and national emblem in primary and secondary education, as well as matters relating to the daily display of the national flag and the weekly conduct of the national flag-raising ceremony in schools.
[With Inputs from IANS]
PGurus is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with all the latest news and views
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- Supreme Court rejects plea to tally all VVPAT slips with EVM votes; says ‘no going back to paper ballot’ - April 26, 2024
- US report citing human rights violations is deeply biased: India - April 25, 2024
- Kotak Mahindra Bank shares tank 13%. Market Cap erodes by Rs.37,721 cr post-RBI action - April 25, 2024
