(Clearwisdom.net)
December 18, 2002
Security Bureau
(Attn: AS(F)2, F Division)
6th Floor, East Wing,
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Central
Hong Kong
Dear Mrs. Regina Yip
I am writing in my capacity as acting chairperson of DAWN Ontario: DisAbled Women's Network Ontario, and on behalf of the board of directors and our 768 members in Ontario, Canada to express our profound concern with the "Article 23" legislation in Hong Kong.
It was brought to our attention that the Hong Kong government is introducing a controversial "Article 23" legislation which, as currently proposed, could damage Hong Kong's autonomy, civil liberties and restrict freedom of the press.
It would appear that the proposed legislation was written under direct pressure from China and is far more restrictive and severe than required by the Basic Law. It appears that if it is enacted, Hong Kong would have to ban any organization deemed by China to be a national security risk. This is against HK's autonomy and the "one country, two systems" principle. It seems that the proposed law would also place significant restrictions on HK's media with regard to publishing information relating to Beijing.
We strongly urge you to ensure that the legislation will preserve Hong Kong's civil liberties, in particular its autonomy in determining the legal status of organizations in Hong Kong, freedom of press, freedom of believes, and freedom of assembly.
We emphatically express our opposition to this " Article 23 " legislation.
Sincerely,
Barbara Anello
dawn@thot.net