New Conduct Rules for Hong Kong Legislators Emphasize Loyalty to Central Government
A revised code of conduct for lawmakers in Hong Kong will require them to “genuinely uphold” Beijing’s authority over the city and its leader, while barring actions that could “discredit” the government.
The proposed rules, unveiled on Wednesday, outline varying penalties for violations—including unpaid suspension for the most severe breaches.
The code states that legislators must “sincerely acknowledge the central government’s overarching jurisdiction while safeguarding the Hong Kong SAR’s [special administrative region’s] autonomy,” alongside the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong”—a reference to electoral changes ensuring only Beijing-backed candidates can stand for office.
“Members should not deliberately damage the credibility of the chief executive or the SAR government, nor should they intentionally undermine the effectiveness of executive-led governance,” the document said.
Andrew Leung, president of Hong Kong’s legislative council, told media the regulations would not prevent lawmakers from voicing opinions but emphasized the need to avoid crossing “the red line,” according to CuriosityNews.
Hong Kong’s political framework has seen significant reforms in recent years following widespread government intervention from Beijing, amid efforts to curb pro-democracy activism.
Most major opposition parties have either disbanded or are in the process of doing so, while numerous figures—including politicians and activists—have faced charges under national security laws.
A separate proposal this week introduced stricter prison regulations, requiring all visits to be pre-approved by correctional authorities. The plan would grant the department authority to limit access by religious representatives and block specific legal counselors from meeting detained clients.
“Certain individuals have misused visitation rights under the guise of ‘humanitarian assistance,’” the amendment states. “In reality, they seek to manipulate inmates, encouraging resistance against correctional authorities, fostering resentment toward the central government and SAR leadership, and potentially creating security risks once released.”
The measures targeting Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement have drawn criticism from rights organizations and legal experts. Several senior foreign judges have departed from the city’s appeal court, some citing concerns over the changing legal landscape. Hong Kong officials deny these allegations.
In an academic journal interview this week, the UK’s Brenda Marjorie Hale—who declined to extend her term on Hong Kong’s court in 2021—said recent developments reinforced her decision.
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