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Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, in the Legislative Council today (May 23):

Question:

Regarding the regulation of evil cults and their activities by legislation, will the Executive Authorities inform this Council:

(a) whether they are collecting and studying, for the purpose of dealing with the issue of "Falun Gong", information on the regulation by legislation of evil cults and their activities in places outside Hong Kong; and

(b) before deciding if legislation should be enacted to regulate evil cults, whether they will consider the views expressed by several representatives of religious bodies at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs on February 20 this year, and whether they will fully consult the public and this Council?

Reply:

Madam President,

As a responsible government, we must uphold public order and peace in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Any organizations carrying out activities in Hong Kong must abide by the law of Hong Kong. In dealing with the activities of these organizations, the HKSAR Government always acts in accordance with the law. My reply to the Hon Emily Lau's two questions are as follows:

(a) In recent years, activities of evil cults have become a matter of concern around the world. It is not unusual for a responsible government to keep track of developments and study the experience of other places in dealing with similar problems; and

(b) Articles 32 and 141 of the Basic Law safeguard the freedom of religious belief. Likewise, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 15 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights also provide for the protection of freedom of religion. The HKSAR Government is committed to the protection of such freedom and all measures taken are in strict compliance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the ICCPR. We will take into full consideration the views of this Council and the community, including those expressed by representatives of different religious bodies at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs on February 20 this year.

End/Wednesday, May 23, 2001

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