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19 June 2003
Tel .: 2810 2448
Fax : 2810 7702
The Editor,
The Washington Times
Dear Sir,
There is no truth in the allegation made in an article entitled "Death of freedom in Hong Kong" (June 10) by Mr Frank Gaffney Jr. that the enactment of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law could be used to deny freedom of religion, press and expression in Hong Kong. The proposed laws to implement Article 23 are in fact a liberalisation of existing laws that we inherited from the colonial era. The proposed legislation compares, word for word, favourably with similar legislation in any major common law jurisdiction.
Article 23 sets out Hong Kong's constitutional duty to enact our own laws to protect national security. This is testimony to the true implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. Nothing in the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill will affect freedom of religion, of the press, or of expression. All of these rights and freedoms are constitutionally protected under the Basic Law. We have also specifically stated in the Bill that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with such Basic Law guarantees. The way of life, rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong People will in no way be affected by our proposed national security law.
Yours faithfully,
(Mr Johann Wong)
for Secretary for Security
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