BILL OF RIGHTS: REVIEW OF EXISTING LAWS
1. The Hong Kong Government intend to suspend full
implementation of the Bill of Rights for a "freeze period" after enactment. The aim is to avoid the destablising
effects of legislative and operational vacuums should
statutory law be found invalid and there is any delay before
it can be replaced. The Hong Kong Government would use the
freeze period to review existing laws and amend any which
are inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. They are still
considering the details of the freeze period but believe
that they can identify the bulk of suspect laws in one
year.
2.
Attached is a summary of possible inconsistencies
between existing legislation and the Bill of Rights. It
represents the preliminary view of the Hong Kong Government.
Work is proceeding to refine this list and identify specific amendments required.
MUKAJL/1