The Government announced that the National Flag & National Emblem (Amendment) Ordinance came into effect today.

Published in the Gazette, the amendment ordinance provides for the use, etiquette, education and promotion in relation to the national flag and national emblem.

The Government explained that the fundamental principle and spirit of the law is to encourage respect for the country and respect for the national flag and national emblem which are the country’s symbols and signs.

Targetting people who conduct public and international acts with the intent of desecrating the national flag and national emblem, the ordinance has maintained and clarified the provisions regarding offences and penalties as punishment and deterrent.

The Government stressed that it will step up publicity and educational efforts to enhance the public’s understanding of the law for compliance sake.　

It also pointed out that there is no cause for concern of breaching the law inadvertently if one does not misuse the national flag or national emblem, nor has any public and international act with an intent to desecrate the national flag or national emblem.

In accordance with the amendment ordinance, the Chief Executive has revised and published the stipulations for the display and use of the national flag and national emblem as well as the regional flag and regional emblem.

In light of the endorsement of the amendments to the National Flag Law and the National Emblem Law by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on October 17, 2020, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to implement the two amended national laws locally in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law.

Click here for details of the amendment ordinance and related information.