The Legislative Council voted down a motion by James To suggesting that proposed anti-subversion laws would undermine the basic rights and freedom of Hong Kong people. An amendment motion by Sophie Leung was also defeated.

Rejecting the fears, Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said implementing the proposals would not undermine Hong Kong people's existing rights, freedoms and lifestyle and that the rule of law and "One Country, Two Systems" would remain intact. 

Mrs Leung reiterated that, according to the Basic Law, Hong Kong must enact laws on its own to implement Article 23. She noted the irony in that those who claimed to be supporters of law and order were suggesting the Government not follow the Basic Law's requirement on Article 23.

She said the Article 23 proposals comply with most of the Johannesburg Principles.

When implementing BL23, Hong Kong must comply with the "Two Systems" principle. "That means Mainland laws on national security will not be extended to Hong Kong."

Secretary for Security Regina Ip said the consultation on BL23 has set a number of records since Hong Kong's 1997 reunification with the Mainland.

*Officials in the Security Bureau and Department of Justice had attended more than 200 forums, meetings, and interviews.

*A total of 50,000 copies of consultation papers were distributed.

*More than 4,000 submissions were received.

Mrs Ip noted that this proved that by issuing a consultation paper, not necessarily a draft bill, the Government could still achieve its aim of letting the community have a thorough debate on the proposals.

She said the Government aimed to publish a bill in February on the proposed laws.