Introduction
ADAMANLAISEMIAinivasimalausumosini vialalalamaníadia, sia, sinisins, Nadide to tada de
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Chief Secretary's Committee
Legal Affairs Policy Group
15/86 FILM CENSORSHIP BILL
This Bill, now in its 8 th draft and ready to be placed before Ex∞, will replace and up-date the existing film censorship system. SASI is hoping for the Bill to be introduced into Leg Co during this session. The primary purpose of the Bill is to effect a system of film classification which will permit more explicit films to be exhibited for viewing by adults only ("the classification scheme proposal"). The Bill will also codify the existing system of censorship provided by the Film Censorship Regulations ("the censorship system proposal") and introduce criteria to be considered by censors when they are exercising their powers ("the guidelines proposal").
2.
The classification scheme proposal has been widely discussed both within and outside Government. It has received
almost universal approval. Conversely, the censorship system proposal and the guidelines proposal have not been widely discussed and potentially may embroil the Government in
considerable political controversy. L.A. P.G.'s consideration of these latter proposals is sought.
The Present System
3.
Our existing film censorship system has been established since 1953 by the Film Censorship Regulations made pursuant to the Places of Public Entertaiment Ordinance flap,
172).
4.
Cap. 172 requires that all public "cinematograph displays" (undefined) must be approved for exhibition. The Governor in Council is empowered to make regulations providing
CONFIDENTIAL
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