(28 May 2020) Lawmakers in Hong Kong reacted on Thursday to the decision made by China's ceremonial legislature to overwhelmingly endorsed a national security law for Hong Kong.
The National People's Congress backed the bill by a vote of 2,878 to 1 with 6 abstentions as it wrapped up an annual session that was held under intensive anti-coronavirus controls.
The move will ultimately change the territory's mini-constitution, or Basic Law, adding a national security law to be decided later by Chinese leaders.
The standing committee of the National People's Congress that handles most legislation will work out its details.
Responding to the decision Hong Kong Convenor of Pro-establishment lawmaker Martin Liao said: "We truly believed that this decision made by the National People's Congress would not harm the rights and freedom that Hong Kong people enjoy."
Pro-democracy lawmaker, Claudia Mo, said the decision marked the "beginning of a sad and traumatising era for Hong Kong".
Activists in Hong Kong say the law will undermine civil liberties and might be used to suppress political activity.
The law and the way it is being enacted prompted U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to announce on Wednesday that Washington will no longer treat Hong Kong as autonomous from Beijing.
On Thursday, three pro-democracy lawmakers were ejected from Hong Kong's legislative chamber during a debate over a bill that would criminalize insulting or abusing the Chinese national anthem.
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