Some questioned the practicality of legislation and how it would be enforced
Some young Hong Kong soccer fans vowed on Saturday to defy a new Chinese law that would eventually apply in the city and criminalise disrespect for the national anthem with stiff penalties for offenders.
“I won’ t stand up [when the national anthem is played ahead of a soccer match] , because I do not have a sense of belonging [to China] , ” 24-year-old editor Ricky Wong Ka-ki said.
Speaking after an annual soccer match between Hong Kong and Macau, Wong said he would continue to be defiant even after the law was passed in Hong Kong.
The law, laid down in mainland China on Friday, requires attendees to stand up at events where the anthem is played, and remain solemn for the song. It also bars the use of the anthem, March of the Volunteers, in commercial advertisements or at private memorial services.
Offenders in mainland China could face 15 days in police detention. Violations could also be dealt with under other laws.
Wong said he believed the law would be “impractical” as it would be difficult to define what counted as a breach of solemnity.
“You can’ t force people to identify with you, ” he said. “I think it’s very unreasonable to force Hongkongers to be patriotic.”
The Hong Kong-Macau Interport – an annual association soccer match – at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground did not play the anthem before the match, which saw the home team win 4 goals to 0.
Kenny Tam, a 30-year-old office worker, said he worried that the “unnecessary” law would deprive Hong Kong of the freedom of expression.
