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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a media session after attending the Bills Committee on Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2014 at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 29):
Reporter: Mr Lai, I have two questions. The first is about tensions between Mainlanders and Hong Kong people, and the proposed protests. What are your thoughts on that? And also this Marriage (Amendment) Bill, what will happen if that Bill is not passed by the Legislative Council?
Secretary for Security: The Administration intends the Bill to be passed before July 16 this year because it is the date that the Order of the Court of Final Appeal will become effective. So we are trying our best to hold meetings with members of the Bills Committee and to listen to views expressed by the public.
Regarding your first question on May 1, I must say that this issue can be answered from a few different perspectives. All people in Hong Kong should abide by the law of Hong Kong, irrespective of whether they are Hong Kong residents or visitors. Visitors coming to Hong Kong may not be fully aware of all the legal restrictions or requirements here. So what we have to do is to do more publicity work and to make them understand them.
For the apparent conflict between the visitors and Hong Kong residents, I would urge all parties to handle this kind of encounters peacefully and helpfully, with understanding.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:29
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