TNAG-1689-FCO40-2339-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 139

AS '97 15:37 TIBCOOU) HK GOVT

THE DRAFT BILL

Cotiz

Si

8.

The Film Censorship Bill is based on the existing

Film Censorship Regulations. But it defines the grounds

for censorship more clearly and liberalizes them somewhat

(see para 9 below). In addition to introducing a system

of film classification, the Bill incorporates some of the

principles and criteria for censorship which are currently

laid down in the administrative 'note of guidance'. The

codification of these principles in the Ordinance would remove all doubts about the legality of the censorship

process.

Grounds for censoring films

9.

Unlike the existing censorship guidelines 35

embodied in the 'note of guidance', the draft Bill does

not provide for censoring films on the grounds of

likelihood to induce anti-social behaviour, or public

disorder, or likelihood to incite hatred or contempt of

the system of Government in Hong Kong, or of bringing the

A

administration of justice into disrepute.

The removal of

these constraints is considered acceptable in the context

of the film classification system as the viewing of films,

be which may be critical of the local situation, may

confined to mature audiences.

P.13