AS '97 15:37 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT
THE DRAFT BILL
Cotiz
Si
8.
The Film Censorship Bill is based on the existing
Film Censorship Regulations. But it defines the grounds
for censorship more clearly and liberalizes them somewhat
(see para 9 below). In addition to introducing a system
of film classification, the Bill incorporates some of the
principles and criteria for censorship which are currently
laid down in the administrative 'note of guidance'. The
codification of these principles in the Ordinance would remove all doubts about the legality of the censorship
process.
Grounds for censoring films
9.
Unlike the existing censorship guidelines 35
embodied in the 'note of guidance', the draft Bill does
not provide for censoring films on the grounds of
likelihood to induce anti-social behaviour, or public
disorder, or likelihood to incite hatred or contempt of
the system of Government in Hong Kong, or of bringing the
A
administration of justice into disrepute.
The removal of
these constraints is considered acceptable in the context
of the film classification system as the viewing of films,
be which may be critical of the local situation, may
confined to mature audiences.
P.13