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The Bill of Rights Political Rights in
Amendments to laws are not required in every case. Ordinance and the International Covenant on Civil and guaranteeing freedom to seek, receive and impart information also permit steps to be taken to protect privacy, national security, public order, public health and morals. Freedom of expression, whether exercised by an individual or the media, is not an absolute right. The correct balance has to be struck.
Eleven provisions covered by the review do not require amendment as they are compatible with the Bill of Rights Ordinance and serve to protect individuals' right to privacy, the public interest or the right to a fair trial. A twelfth provision, S.30 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, was ruled to be consistent with the Bill of Rights Ordinance by the Court of Appeal on 5 July, Subject to any appeal to the Privy Council, we will retain this important power in the fight against corruption.
Thirty provisions have been amended or repealed; another will be amended tomorrow. Among the significant changes, we have:-
Emergency Regulations Ordinance
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swept away old and excessive regulations under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance while preserving the means to act swiftly to protect public safety in an emergency in ways which are consistent with the Bill of Rights Ordinance and ICCPR.
Judicial Proceedings
removed provisions in several laws so as to give the press more freedom to report and comment upon court proceedings.
Defamation
removed the criminal offence of maliciously publishing defamatory libel.
Public Order
relaxed Police powers regulating public meetings and processions.