CANADT
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER
BRIEF NO.
14:
PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE AND FILM CENSORSHIP
Background
1.
In recent months these issues have provoked some concern in Hong Kong that the Hong Kong Government may be acting under pressure from China to tighten its controls over freedom of expression in preparation for 1997. In both cases a minority in OMELCO has argued strongly against the majority who support the proposed legislation.
(a) Public Order (Amendment) Ordinance
2.
Following a review of its legislation on the press, the Hong Kong Government decided late last year to repeal the outmoded and very seldom used "Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance". However it was considered necessary to retain one provision, making it an offence to spread false news likely to cause public alarm or disorder. This provision was transferred under the Public Order (Amendment) Bill to an appropriate section of the Public Order
Ordinance.
3.
Shortly before the LegCo debate on the Bill, concern grew among media groups and some OMELCO members that the Bill was aimed at imposing new restrictions on the press before and after 1997. Following a vigorous debate in LegCo on 11 March, the Bill passed by a large majority. The Hong Kong media have since conducted a local
Το and international campaign to have the legislation repealed. meet local concern, the Hong Kong Attorney General published in May the clear and tightly-drawn guidelines that would govern any prosecution under the new law. Since then Hong Kong concern seems to have abated somewhat. But it is nonetheless likely that OMELCO members, or the press, will seek to raise the issue with Lord
Glenarthur.
(b)
Film Censorship
4.
In March Hong Kong Government papers were leaked to the Hong Kong press which suggested that existing arrangements to censor fiims which might endanger Hong Kong's relations with other
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 75Page 76
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.