CAP. 153]
Chinese Temples
[1989 Ed.
CHAPTER 153
CHINESE TEMPLES
To suppress and prevent abuses in the management of Chinese temples and in the administration of the funds of Chinese temples.
[27 April 1928]
Originally 7 of 1928, (Cap. 153, 1950) — 31 of 1930, 5 of 1932, 7 of 1935, 33 of 1939, 20 of 1948, 22 of 1950, 24 of 1950, 26 of 1961, L.N. 22 of 1969, L.N. 15 of 1970, 50 of 1973, L.N. 67 of 1985, L.N. 68 of 1985, R. Ed. 1985, L.N. 262 of 1989, L.N. 263 of 1989
1. Short title
2. This Ordinance may be cited as the Chinese Temples Ordinance.
Interpretation
In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires- "Chinese temple" includes-
(a) all Miu (廟, temples), Tsz (寺, Buddhist monasteries), Kun and To Yuen (道院, Taoist monasteries) and Om (庵, nunneries); and
(b) every place where-
(i) in accordance with the religious principles governing Miu, Tsz, Kun, To Yuen or Om, worship of gods or communication with spirits or fortune-telling is practised or is intended to be practised; and where
(ii) fees, payments or rewards of any kind whatsoever are charged to or are accepted from any member of the public for the purpose of worship or communication with spirits or fortune-telling or any similar purpose, or in return for joss candles or incense sticks, or on any other account whatsoever.
3. Regulations
(1) The Chinese Temples Committee referred to in section 7 may, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, by regulation provide for
(a) the registration, management, control and inspection of Chinese temples;
(b) the management, control and audit of the funds of Chinese temples;