Hong Kong Cultural Community: "We Want White Bill Consultation, Not White Terror"

Human Rights Frontline reported on December 23 that the cultural community of Hong Kong had issued a collective statement regarding the legislation of Article 23 of the basic law. They have collected 483 signatures so far. This is the largest group activity the cultural community has undertaken since the June 4th Student Movement in 1989, which fully reflects the reservations and doubts that the cultural community has with Article 23.

Participants of the group activity include writers, dancers, actors, bookstore owners, magazine editors, fashion designers, and culture and art institutions etc. Such a collective stand by the Hong Kong cultural community is very rare.

Since the consultation period began, society has generally felt that the citizens' proposals to have the white bill draft published and to have the consultation period extended are quite reasonable, and that the HK government should not reject them. Many people in fact fundamentally oppose the implementation of Article 23; they are particularly concerned about the charge of "sedition", which may bring about a situation similar to the "white terror" during the Cultural Revolution [a term describing how innocent people were widely and arbitrarily charged with being against the government].

In order to avoid being persecuted under the new legislation, many workers in the cultural circles would have to examine their work or publications closely to see if they could be construed as seditious. What is even worse is that competitors may use Article 23 to strike at their rivals. It may lead to the withering of creativity and culture in Hong Kong.

In addition to sedition, other proposed offences may also stifle cultural and artistic activities. For example, if a Taiwan Film Festival were held to promote the understanding of Taiwan culture for Hong Kong citizens, would that be considered treason?

The cultural community will continue to follow and pay close attention to Article 23, and will respond accordingly.