PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL JUNE 1980
Two main alterations were made in
Dinition
defining terms.
of terms
Selective
control
Violation of
Article 19
Control of
meetings and
processions
Notification
no difference
from
licensing
'Procession' means a procession organized
as such for a common purpose which give the broadest
definition possible.
The meaning of 'meeting' is narrowed down
to gathering or assembly of persons convened or orgainzed
for the purpose of the discussion of matters of public
interest or for the purpose of the expression of views on such matters but excluded all other gatherings or
assemblies, The intention now becomes clear.
This selective control over expression of views on matters of public interest contradicts the present Government's set policy of encouraging people's views over public affairs. And this also violates article 19 of the Covenant which guarantees that everyone shall have
the right to hold opinions without interference and everyone skall have the right to freedom of expression.
1.
The other major amendments are in Part III concerning control of meetings and processions.
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L
Notification replaces application for a licence for holding public meetings (section 8) and certain
types of meetings are axempted from notification (section 7).
?
By exempting meetings not likely to embarass
the Government, the absurdness of the previous Ordinance appears to lessen. This also avoids over-burdening the Commissioner of Police with applications.
The requirements for notification (section 8)
are such that there is no difference from application for
a licence because the Commissioner can still prohibit hold - ing of any public meeting (section y) on the grounds as
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