The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday passed the safeguarding national security bill, a milestone by the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional duty as stipulated under Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law.
The bill was passed with all 89 votes in favor during the third reading at the LegCo. According to the HKSAR's law-making process, when a bill has been given three readings, it becomes an ordinance enacted by the LegCo.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said after the vote that the passage of the bill is a "historical moment." After his signing, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance will be gazetted and take effect on March 23.
The HKSAR government had previously conducted a public consultation on the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, during which 98.6 percent of the views received showed support and gave positive comments, indicating that the legislation has strong popular support.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
