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At noon December 19, 2002, Chinese-Australians from all walks of life rallied at Circular Quay organised by "Global Coalition Against Article 23 in Australia" to show their concern and strong opposition to Hong Kong's Article 23 legislation, which will destroy human rights, democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. Many representatives from human rights organisation, scholars and overseas Chinese spoke at the rally, and called on the international community to stand up and take responsibility to prevent the Article 23 legislation.
Ms. Dianne Hiles of China Rapid Action Network Coordinator gave a speech. She stated that the organisation was aware of all the affairs that affected human rights in the world. Many laws were not clearly defined, just like "Treason" and "Sedition." She said, "Article 23 of the Basic Law comes along, which threatens to curb human rights ANYWHERE.... Rather than modernising Hong Kong legislation, this is a step backward. Amnesty International calls for a much longer consultation period."
Qin Jin of Democracy China League hosted the rally. He said, "Let us appeal for Hong Kong's human rights and freedom in this free land of Australia. If Hong Kong passes Article 23, Hong Kong's people will lose the freedom of speech in Hong Kong.
Dr. Zhang Xiaogang from Democracy China said that Article 23 took all the Hong Kong people as hostages. Nowadays, Hong Kong is like a frog in the pot. The temperature is being increased slowly so the frog will not feel the pain while being cooked. The Article 23 legislation is the life or death point.
Dr. Zhang Xiaogang also talked about the "treason law." He said that there was no such law in Australia because there was no use for violence. It is same in Hong Kong. If you don't use violence, there is no "treason." The Article 23 consultation document defines the term vaguely. If I say, "Chief Tung should step down," does this amount to "sedition?" If anyone says it at home, does it mean that the wife and children have to report them to the police? To Hong Kong people, it affects everyone's interest. Nobody can live a peaceful life anymore.
Ms. Mo Junshu, an Australian from Hong Kong, said that she had never dared to speak in front of so many people before, but she couldn't keep silent today. She wrote a poem "How can I be silent anymore" to express her anger about the Article 23 legislation.
Westerner Ms. Colleen May said in her speech: "I am personally concerned about the effect this legislation will have on our country, whether through trade, research or human rights abuses. This Article 23 has raised great concern internationally, because it will impact every country linked with Asia. This basically includes the entire world."
A Doctoral student doing research on China Issues in New South Wales University read "A Public Letter to the Hong Kong People." The letter said December 15, 2002 was a glorious day for Hong Kong. Tens of thousands of Hong Kong people participated in the demonstration against the subversion law on that day. This was a battle to defend Hong Kong's freedom. The Hong Kong people are not only defending Hong Kong, but also defending the freedom for all of China. From this point of view, safeguarding Hong Kong will mean not only safeguarding the moral standard, but also safeguarding the hope of a future with freedom.
Dr. Lambert expressed his concern that the interference from mainland China would destroy the promise of "No Change in 50 Years." The "One Country, Two Systems" will become "One Country, One System."
After 1 P.M., the parade against Article 23 legislation started. Over 200 people held posters in both Chinese and English that read, "Global Coalition against Hong Kong Article 23 Signature Collection," "Support Hong Kong people Against Article 23," "Unwanted Christmas Gifts," "Evil Article 23 Law Deprives Freedom," "Evil Law, Fake Consultation, Freedom of Speech Confiscated" and "Only Beijing Can Subvert Hong Kong." The peaceful parade procession slowly walked through central Sydney and many people watched the parade. Hundreds of flyers were passed out during the parade.
The parade ended in Chinatown, and four Chinese gave impromptu speeches there. After the parade, around 2:30 P.M., some Chinese went to city hall square to continue the "Against Article 23 Signature Drive" and distribute flyers. The whole event finished at 8 P.M.
For more information about article 23 please visit Here
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