Hong Kong looks to push through controversial bill criminalising abuse of China's national anthem

A contentious bill which seeks to criminalise abuse of the Chinese national anthem in Hong Kong will be given "priority" by the territory's government.

Pro-Beijing supporters wave the Chinese national flags during a rally in Hong Kong on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 Source: AP

Hong Kong's government is working to push through a contentious bill which seeks to criminalise abuse of the Chinese national anthem, days after a pro-Beijing lawmaker had wrested control over a key committee which vets bills.

Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday at a media conference that the bill would be given "priority", as the Legislative Council's house committee - tasked with scrutinising bills and deciding when they can be sent for a final vote - moved to resume second readings of bills.

The proposed law is aimed at ensuring residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China's national anthem.

Under the bill, those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, such as booing it during soccer games, might face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars ($10,000 AUD) and up to three years in prison.

The contentious bill came as differences between the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened last year during months-long protests.

These were sparked by an attempt to pass an extradition bill which would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials. That bill was eventually withdrawn.

Ms Lam said the chief secretary and other officials had written to pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee, who had inserted herself as chair of the House Committee, to consult with her on the resumption of the second reading of bills.

"Two of the bills have been delayed for a very long time, and they are the national anthem bill and the patents amendment bill," said Ms Lam. "So we do expect these two bills to be given priority in the resumption of second readings by the Legislative Council."

Ms Lee on Friday made herself chair of the committee amid shouting matches from both camps and accusations from pro-democracy lawmakers that she was overstepping her boundaries.

The chairperson's seat had previously been empty for six months, with Beijing criticising deputy chairman and pro-democracy lawmaker Dennis Kwok of abusing his power in delaying the election of a new chair, thus causing a backlog of bills.