Friends of Falun Gong Association of Canada
Letter to Hong Kong Security Bureau to Oppose Article 23

December 10, 2002

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December 10, 2002

Security Bureau (Attn:2, F Division), AS(F)
6th Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices,
Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Fax: 2521-2848
e-mail: bl23@sb.gov.hk

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re Article 23

We, the Friends of Falun Gong Association of Canada, are writing to express our strong opposition to the Basic Law Article 23 that is also known as the Anti-Subversion Law. We are gravely concerned that the enactment of this law will fundamentally change the nature of Hong Kong as a free, open and democratic society, and seriously jeopardize the many freedoms enjoyed so far by Hong Kong citizens in and outside of Hong Kong.

Friends of Falun Gong Association of Canada is a Canadian-based, non-profit organization of individuals who actively support freedom of belief and basic human rights that are being contravened currently in China. We have elected to make the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China the primary focus of our human rights concerns due to Falun Gong’s peaceful nature and positive contributions to Canadian society and the world. Their admirable commitment to non-violence and to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance exemplifies the very best in human beings.

As so accurately pointed out by the world’s most prominent media as well as Hong Kong’s local press and many groups, if the proposal became law, it would have the most detrimental impact on almost every aspect of the lives of Hong Kong citizens and post serious threats for Hong Kong’s press, businesses, religions, academic research, information and human rights. In essence, the law would “lawfully” eliminate any voices determined by China as divergent, “legally” take away the basic human rights of Hong Kong citizens, rob Hong Kong of its identity as a free and open city, and formally declare the death of the “One Country, Two System” agreement. Among the many results, Hong Kong citizens will live in constant fear and under oppression, the economy will be destroyed and the future of Hong Kong seriously threatened.

Amidst all these, however, we see hope, energy and strong commitment in Hong Kong citizens in how they respond to the proposal. We particularly applaud the courage of the many leaders in the media, legal, religions, business, trade and professional, academic, political, human rights and other communities in Hong Kong who have stepped forward to oppose the proposal. They have shown true leadership in times of crises, and clearly demonstrated the qualities possible only in a society where democracy, freedom and rules of law are part of the tradition.

Historically, Hong Kong has played a major role in promoting freedom and human rights and is seen as an example that China can follow. We will never forget how Hong Kong educated the world about the massacre in Tiananmen Square in 1989. At this pivotal moment, we sincerely hope that Hong Kong citizens will once again live up to their values, beliefs and commitment to freedom and democracy, and stand up to fend for themselves and their future generation through opposition of a proposal that is based on fear and extreme control.

We wish you the very best in your efforts to keep Hong Kong free.

Yours truly,

Sign an Online Petition started by the Global Coalition Against Article 23 at http://www.againstarticle23.org/en/emailform.php You have the option at this link to send an email to Hong Kong and other world leaders at the same time.