The National Anthem Ordinance was published in the Gazette and came into effect today.

The Government said the core legislative principle of the ordinance is to promote respect for the national anthem, which is the symbol and sign of the country, and provide guidance on the standard, etiquette and occasions for playing and singing the national anthem. 

It prohibits and imposes penalties for the misuse of the national anthem or its lyrics or score, and public and intentional acts to insult the song.

There is no cause for concern of breaching the law inadvertently if one does not misuse the national anthem or its lyrics or score, nor has any public and intentional act to insult the song, the Government said.

The Government added it will strengthen publicity and educational efforts of the national anthem. It has set up a dedicated webpage to inform the public about the content of the ordinance and provide the standard scores and official recordings of the song for occasions during which it must be played and sung.

It will also launch promotional videos on social media platforms, government websites and electronic media.

Meanwhile, the Education Bureau will update its learning and teaching materials to educate students on the history and spirit of the national anthem and the etiquette for playing and singing the song.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress added the Law of the People's Republic of China on National Anthem to Annex III to the Basic Law on November 4, 2017.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility to implement the National Anthem Law locally in accordance with Article 18 of the Basic Law.