Letter / Petition to Oppose “Article 23”

December 18, 2002

Deadline for the consultation period is Dec. 24, 2002.

Follow this link for Brief Introduction of “Article 23”

There are a few easy ways you could help:

• Send a letter to the Hong Kong Security Bureau to oppose Article 23. (see sample letter)
  
  
• Please copy the letter with your name/organization and email to: BL23@sb.gov.hk and kindly
  send copy to freefalungong@canada.com.
  
  
• Sign an Online Email 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.
  
  Sign the Online Signature Campaign form Against Article 23 at http://www.againstarticle23.org/join/index.php?action=add
  
  
  
• Sign the Online Petition: http://www.article23.org.hk/english/main.htm, click on “ signature campaign” on left side navigation menu. This is initiated by Civil Human Rights Front (30 Hong Kong NGOs & others such as Hong Kong Bar Association) and provides substantial background information as well.
  
  
• Write your own letter to the Security Bureau. (address below)
  
  
• Forward the online petition to your friends.

Sample Letter

Security Bureau
(Attn: AS(F)2, F Division)
6th Floor, East Wing,
Central Government Offices
Lower Albert Road
Central
Hong Kong

fax: (852)2521-2848
email: BL23@sb.gov.hk

Dear Mrs. Regina Yip

We, the undersigned individuals and organization from Canada would like to express our deep concerns about 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 freedom of the press freedom.

It seems 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 determined by China as a national security risk. This is against HK’s autonomy and the “one country, two systems” principle. It also appears that the proposed law would put serious 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 organisations in Hong Kong, freedom of the press, the freedom of believes, and the freedom of assembly.

We would like to express our opposition to this “ Article 23 “ legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Name/ Organization: