(Clearwisdom.net) On December 4, 2002, "Global Coalition Against Article 23 Legislation" came into existence in Washington D.C. The objective of the coalition is to safeguard human rights laws in Hong Kong. Many overseas Chinese from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos, and the U.S. attended the opening ceremony.

The coalition will hold a rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon of December 14, to voice support for the parade against Article 23 legislation that will be conducted in Hong Kong on December 15.

On September 24, the Hong Kong government announced a consultation period regarding the implementation of Article 23 against treason and subversion, which immediately caused a strong reaction in the international community and sent shockwaves throughout the Hong Kong society. Both U.S. and British governments have recently issued statements expressing their deep concern over the possible shift Article 23 may bring to the "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong. The media around the globe has also published numerous articles fretting about the repercussions of the subversion law on press freedom.

Public consultation regarding implementation of Article 23 will end on December 24. The Hong Kong government has planned to furnish a more detailed draft at the latest by early next year so that the legislative body can enact it into law.

It is the responsibility of every Chinese who is concerned with the future of Hong Kong to pay close attention. Let us work together to uphold the democracy and the "One Country Two Systems" in Hong Kong at this special historical juncture, so that Hong Kong, the "the pearl of the orient," can continue to glow with brilliance.

Email of "Global Coalition Against Article 23 Legislation": info@AgainstArticle23.org

Website of "Global Coalition Against Article 23 Legislation": www.AgainstArticle23.org (in construction)

Relevant websites:

Human rights websites: http://www.article23.org.hk

Website for material downloading: http://margaretng.com