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2025
The Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill was published in the Government Gazette today. The bill fulfils the obligation of the Government under Article 14 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights (BOR14) – as declared by the Court of Final Appeal in the case of Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice – whereby an “alternative framework” will be established through legislation for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, while providing for appropriate rights and obligations attendant on such recognition. The bill aims to establish a registration system for same-sex partnerships. It covers the setting up of a same-sex partnership registry, the conditions for registration of same-sex partnerships, the mode of application for registration and revocation of registration, and offences and penalties related to the registration mechanism. The bill also amends certain provisions in other legislation to provide for rights and obligations attendant on the recognition of same-sex partnerships. The Government said it respects the court’s judgment, and will fulfil its obligation under BOR14 by establishing an alternative framework through legislation. It stressed that the current proposal fully accounts for the actual situation and overall interests of Hong Kong, and strives to achieve an appropriate balance. The Government added that it will continue to maintain close communication with the Legislative Council to implement the bill. It reiterated that establishing the alternative framework to introduce a registration system for same-sex partnerships will not compromise the Government’s established position on upholding Hong Kong’s monogamous and heterosexual marriage system. The bill will be introduced in LegCo for first reading on July 16.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam continued his European visit by promoting Hong Kong's unique legal advantages in Rome today. Mr Lam attended a networking lunch and meeting hosted by the Italy China Council Foundation and elaborated to the participants Hong Kong’s advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. He also explained to them how Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services are conducive to international investment and trade. His itinerary in Rome also included calling on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Italy Jia Guide to brief him on the co-operation between the Department of Justice and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and the latest work progress on dispute resolution services. Mr Lam yesterday visited UNIDROIT and discussed its possible participation in the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy's capacity-building programme and the work of organising the 2026 Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit in Hong Kong. The justice chief also attended a seminar with UNIDROIT as the co-organiser and had dinner with former Minister of Justice of Italy and recipient of the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award Prof Oliviero Diliberto. He will leave Rome tomorrow and return to Hong Kong on July 13.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam arrived in Paris, France on Tuesday as he continued a trip spanning various European countries. Mr Lam attended a Hong Kong legal services seminar organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and briefed representatives of various international organisations on Hong Kong's arbitration system and the advantages offered by its legal service sector. On meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on Tuesday, Mr Lam remarked that as an international financial centre Hong Kong has always supported the FATF’s work to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing and to maintain the stability of the international financial system. He added that the DoJ has participated in mutual evaluations among FATF member jurisdictions. Mr Lam later visited the Chambre Arbitrale Maritime de Paris (the Paris Maritime Arbitration Chamber) and met its Secretary General Pascale Mesnil. He was briefed on the chamber’s operations, France’s arbitration sector, and developments in resolving international maritime disputes through arbitration. He highlighted that Hong Kong is committed to optimising its arbitration system through multi-pronged policy measures, and to enhancing and consolidating its status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Lam also expressed hope for a deepening of exchanges and co-operation with the French arbitration sector. Yesterday morning, Mr Lam visited the office of the French National & Olympic Sports Committee (CNOSF) and met representatives of the Chambre Arbitrale du Sport (the Chamber of Arbitration for Sport) and the CNOSF Conference of Conciliators to learn about the committee's sports arbitration and conciliation services. He also spoke about the DoJ's work in promoting sports dispute resolution in Hong Kong. At noon, Mr Lam attended a lunch event hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the French Republic Deng Li. Mr Lam briefed Mr Deng on Hong Kong’s efforts in safeguarding national security, implementing the principle of “one country, two systems” by rule of law, and leveraging its unique advantages to promote development. In the afternoon, Mr Lam attended the seminar organised by in Paris by the DoJ: “Hong Kong Legal Services – Gateway to China and Beyond”. He outlined the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services sector under the principle of “one country, two systems” to about 130 participants. Giving a keynote speech, Mr Lam stressed that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in Chinese and English. He said that Hong Kong’s common law system aligns with the legal systems of many major economies and with the rules of international trade and business, adding that the city’s professional and comprehensive legal services industry provides high-quality legal services to support global financial and commercial activities. During the seminar, Mr Lam also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre and Jus Mundi, an AI-powered legal research platform based in Paris, that will enhance co-operation in legal and alternative dispute resolution between Hong Kong and France.
Police’s National Security Department arrested four men on July 9 on suspicion of illegally participating in the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Alliance, which engaged in activities aimed at committing subversion, in contravention of the offence of subversion under Article 22 of the National Security Law. The arrestees, aged between 15 and 47, are being detained for investigation. Police said that the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Alliance was established in China’s Taiwan region in 2024 through a social media platform, with the objectives of committing subversion and achieving “Hong Kong independence”. The organisation has publicly expressed its stance in support of secession and subversion on various occasions, it added. An investigation revealed that the arrested persons held different roles within the organisation and were actively involved in its affairs, including planning publicity, liaising with external forces and organising related activities. Police stressed that any person or organisation inciting secession, subversion or endangering national security in any form is committing a serious offence. Additionally, any person who contravenes the offence of subversion is liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The force said it will ensure that the law is observed and strictly enforced, and take resolute actions to hold offenders accountable. Furthermore, it emphasised that all illegal acts will be followed up to this end.
The Department of Justice today launched the third phase of the foundation course of its Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme. The two-day course is being taken by about 120 trainees from district youth committees in the 18 districts and from the Education University of Hong Kong. It covers topics relevant to the rule of law and daily life in a way that is diversified, interactive, and easy-to-understand, encouraging participants to become ROLE ambassadors and actively promote the rule of law in their daily lives and work. In his opening remarks at the event, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said he hoped the programme would enhance trainees' understanding of the legal system and the rule of law in Hong Kong, as well as their capabilities in promoting the rule of law as youth leaders and educators in the future, thereby consolidating their role as leaders in rule of law education. As part of the course, Mr Lam also gave a lecture on the topic “Rule of law and our legal system”. He elaborated to the trainees on the essence of the rule of law as a concept, presented an overview of Hong Kong's legal and judicial systems, and explained the relationship between the rule of law and the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and “one country, two systems”. Also taking part in the programme as a speaker was 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee member and Legislative Council member Starry Lee. She spoke about the Mainland's legal system, as well as the functions of the NPC and state institutions. The second day of the programme, along with its graduation ceremony, will be held next Saturday. Trainees who have completed the course will receive certificates.
Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan and Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang visited a Chinese restaurant in Wan Chai today after attending the flag-raising ceremony and reception to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. They enjoyed tea and July 1 dining discounts to commemorate Hong Kong's return to the motherland. The officials ordered a variety of dim sum and had morning tea, including shrimp dumplings at a 29% discount. The atmosphere there was lively and members of the public were enthusiastic about the dining discount activities. The catering sector special offers have received strong support, with the number of participating restaurants increasing each year, from more than 1,400 in 2023, to more than 2,200 last year, and reaching 4,100 this year. Mr Cheuk, Mr Wong and Mr Tsang then enjoyed the Free Tram Day offer and arrived at Lee Tung Avenue where they experienced the festive atmosphere featuring free distributions of ice cream, popcorn and panda-shaped balloons. The current-term Government pioneered the practice of turning the anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR into a festival, which received positive responses from all sectors of society.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). In a statement, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said the HKNSL's implementation over the past five years has shown the law to be a “guardian” in upholding the principle of “one country, two systems” and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It added the HKNSL is an important and timely piece of legislation with profound historical significance. The statement stressed that the HKNSL has enabled Hong Kong to make a major transition from chaos to order and has laid a solid legal foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. National security, it said, forms the basis for a country’s existence and development; however, after reunification, Hong Kong had long been “undefended” with regard to national security, with anti-China elements and external forces continuously challenging the principle of “one country, two systems”, and even attempting to seize the power of governance. The Hong Kong SAR Government iterated that unprecedented crises were brought to Hong Kong by the “anti-national education” incident in 2012; the illegal “Occupy Central” movement in 2014; and the Mongkok riot in 2016; as well as the “black-clad violence” and Hong Kong's version of a “colour revolution”, which lasted for more than 10 months from June 2019, severely damaging Hong Kong's societal, economic and business environment and causing the public to live in fear. The central authorities acted decisively at a critical moment for Hong Kong, the statement added. The National People’s Congress (NPC) made a decision on May 28, 2020, on the basis of which the NPC Standing Committee enacted the HKNSL on June 30, 2020. The law was then listed under Annex III to the Basic Law for local promulgation and implementation in the Hong Kong SAR. The statement outlined that the HKNSL addressed shortcomings and plugged loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, playing the role of a stabilising force that immediately stopped violence and curbed disorder. It said the HKNSL's implementation was a “watershed moment” in Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to order, as stability and safety in the city have been restored by the law. It added that thanks to the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Legislative Council and all sectors of the community, the Hong Kong SAR fulfilled its constitutional duty last year by completing the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), which took effect on March 23, 2024, improved the city's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. It said the HKNSL and the SNSO are compatible and complementary, building a strong line of defence to safeguard national security in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised Hong Kong's laws safeguarding national security firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law, while protecting rights and freedoms in accordance with the law. The business environment, it said, has continuously improved. Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy, ranks third among global financial centres, and recently returned to the global top three economies in the world in terms of competitiveness, demonstrating that it is advancing at full steam “from stability to prosperity”. The statement continued that Hong Kong's laws safeguarding national security also protect human rights, with respect and protections for human rights being embodied both in the provisions of the HKNSL and the SNSO and in their implementation. Both HKNSL Article 4 and SNSO Section 2 stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected and that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law. These include the rights to freedom of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the laws' various provisions are in line with international standards, striking a reasonable balance between safeguarding national security and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. It added that the Hong Kong SAR has a solid, resilient foundation of rule of law that is well-recognised by the international community, and that the city's law enforcement agencies take actions based on evidence and in accordance with the law. It also outlined that the Department of Justice, by virtue of Basic Law Article 63, controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference, while independent prosecutorial decisions for each case are made in a rigorous and objective manner, based on evidence and applicable laws and in accordance with the Prosecution Code. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the Hong Kong SAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and that the courts of the Hong Kong SAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The statement stressed that cases will never be handled any differently owing to the occupation, political stance or background of the persons involved. In addition, HKNSL Article 5 and SNSO Section 2 stipulate that the principles of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. These include the principles of conviction and punishment only by the application of the law, the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, the right of accused persons to defend themselves, and other rights in judicial proceedings that criminal suspects, defendants and other parties in judicial proceedings are entitled to under the law. The statement highlighted that governments have an inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and that this is established international practice. It added that the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly define the elements of offences and related penalties, and precisely target an extremely small minority of people and organisations who commit acts that endanger national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public. It stressed that law-abiding persons will not engage in acts that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and therefore have no reason to be concerned. Since the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, the statement highlighted, stability has been quickly restored in society. With the SNSO in effect, it said, the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong SAR residents and of other persons in Hong Kong are even better protected, while the economy of Hong Kong is picking up. The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that safeguarding national security is an ongoing and endless commitment. Citing the “White Paper on China’s National Security in the New Era”, published by the central authorities on May 12, it said external forces have been meddling more and more in China’s affairs, and have attempted to blockade, suppress and contain China through so-called “Hong Kong issues”. As geopolitical risks continue to escalate, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it will strive steadfastly to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and to improve its legal system and enforcement mechanisms under the robust protection of the HKNSL and the SNSO, so as to address evolving national security risks and challenges more effectively. The Hong Kong SAR Government will also ramp up its efforts in publicity and education, so as to raise public awareness around safeguarding national security, thereby forming a societal shield to fend off external intervention. It said this will ensure high-quality development with high-level security, contributing to a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems”.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly condemned and opposed the malicious attacks on and the demonisation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and other laws safeguarding national security, as well as the slanderous and fact-distorting remarks made on the city's work in safeguarding national security by foreign politicians, anti-China organisations, and various media outlets on the important occasion of the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that anti-China and destabilising forces, organisations or media have made sweepingly generalised and grandstanding comments, completely disregarding the profound historical significance of the HKNSL and its undeniable positive impact on the city. The statement made it clear that they distorted the facts and made slanderous remarks on the Hong Kong SAR and the HKNSL. They even attempted to interfere with criminal trials conducted in Hong Kong SAR courts, thereby obstructing the course of justice. It also indicated that they never utter a word about the strict enforcement of national security laws by their own countries and other governments against activities that endanger their national security. The statement described their actions as despicable political manipulation. It stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government must sternly denounce their wrongdoing to set the record straight and expose their shameless 'double standards' to the world. The Hong Kong SAR Government also emphasised that safeguarding national security is a top priority of every country. In accordance with international law and international relations based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. Moreover, the statement mentioned that for a considerable period, external forces, through their agents, have conducted infiltration and sabotage activities in Hong Kong, and further instigated the "black-clad violence" and the Hong Kong version of "colour revolution" in 2019, which nearly brought the "one country, two systems" to ruin. With the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, its effect in stopping violence and curbing disorder as well as quickly restoring social stability in the Hong Kong community was immediate. The statement highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR fulfilled its constitutional duty by enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance last year with broad societal consensus, thereby improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. This has enabled Hong Kong's transition "from chaos to order" and advancement "from stability to prosperity". It said the attempts by external forces to "use Hong Kong to contain China" are doomed to fail, leaving them with no option but to smear the HKNSL. The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that, over five years of its implementation, the HKNSL has restored the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong citizens were unable to enjoy during the period of "black-clad violence", and has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community at large to swiftly return to normal and the business environment to be restored and improved continuously. It also stressed that human rights in Hong Kong have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law, adding that the rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust, and withstands the test of time. In addition, the statement noted that, as guaranteed by the Basic Law, the HKNSL and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence shall have the right to a fair trial by the Judiciary exercising independent judicial power. The courts of the Hong Kong SAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. It also mentioned that foreign politicians, anti-China organisations, and various media have recently continued to make irresponsible and absurd remarks, distorting the truth regarding the national security case involving Lai Chee-ying, as well as his custodial arrangements, with the intention of perverting the course of justice. The Hong Kong SAR government has repeatedly pointed out that any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the city by means of political power, to prevent any defendant from receiving a fair trial that they should have, is a blatant act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned. The suggestion that persons or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanctions for their illegal acts and activities is tantamount to granting such persons or organisations privileges to break the law, perverting the course of justice, and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, the Hong Kong SAR Government stated. The HKSAR Government strongly urges any external forces to immediately stop interfering with the city's internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the Hong Kong SAR. Regarding the custodial arrangements of Lai Chee-ying, the Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and has put in place an established mechanism to safeguard the rights of persons-in-custody (PICs), including regular independent visitors, namely Justices of the Peace, who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. The statement specified that the CSD consistently handles matters concerning Lai Chee-ying strictly in accordance with these mechanisms, no differently from other PICs. Furthermore, it clarified that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying's removal from association with other PICs has been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law all along. The statement added that Lai Chee-ying's legal representative has publicly clarified that he is receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it will continue to uphold its constitutional duty and steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. The statement said that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely fulfil its duties and obligations to safeguard national security while simultaneously protecting the lawful rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents and others in Hong Kong in accordance with the law. By ensuring high-quality development with high-level security, a new chapter in the practice of "one country, two systems" would be continuously composed, the statement added.
The Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance will come into effect on January 1 of next year, in accordance with a notice published today in the Government Gazette. The ordinance imposes statutory obligations on designated operators of critical infrastructure to ensure they adopt appropriate measures to protect their computer systems. The aim is to minimise the risk of essential services being disrupted or compromised due to cyberattacks, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of Hong Kong society and people’s daily lives. The Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Commencement) Notice will be tabled at the Legislative Council on July 2 for negative vetting.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued a strong condemnation of remarks by Consul General of the US to Hong Kong Gregory May, stating that they are untrue, biased and deliberately intended to mislead the public and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Hong Kong SAR’s work to safeguard national security. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that as legal proceedings in the case involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. It urged US politicians to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by its courts. The statement emphasised that governments have an inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, in accordance with international law and international practice based on the UN Charter. It added that as the US has at least 21 laws safeguarding national security, US politicians who point fingers at the Hong Kong SAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms display only hypocrisy and double standards while entirely disregarding the constitutional and practical needs of Hong Kong, as well as the positive effects brought about by Hong Kong’s national security legislation on its economic development and protection of human rights. The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies take actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law, and that such actions have nothing to do the political views, backgrounds or occupations of persons or entities concerned. It added that anyone charged with a criminal offence in Hong Kong will receive a fair trial as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The statement charged that attempts by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in Hong Kong to procure a defendant’s evasion of criminal justice amount to blatant acts undermining the rule of law and should be condemned. It said the notion that people or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanction for their illegal acts is tantamount to granting them privileges to break the law, perverts the course of justice, and runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. The Hong Kong SAR Government also outlined that extraterritorial effect for offences under the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law and international practice, and is both necessary and legitimate. It added that absconders hiding in the US and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, such as inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries impose “sanctions” or blockades and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Such persons, it emphasised, continue to collude with external forces to cover their evil deeds, making it necessary for Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies to take all lawful measures to combat these acts. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that that it will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security. It added that it will concurrently uphold the rights and freedoms of its people in accordance with the law so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.