UK-based activist group Hong Kong Watch earlier stated the offence “instantly threatens spiritual freedom” as it will drive clergymen to disclose what was stated within the confessional sales space towards their conscience.
The previous British colony is a typical legislation jurisdiction and has a authorized system distinct from mainland China.
Hong Kong authorities defended the proposed felony offence – which was known as “misprision of treason” – saying that it had lengthy existed within the metropolis and different frequent legislation international locations.
Responding to a lawmaker’s query final week, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam stated it will be “very tough to create exceptions” for individuals like clergy and social staff concerning the offence.
The federal government has stated the measure “has nothing to do with freedom of faith”.
Hong Kong officers performed a month-long public session on the safety legislation and the following legislative vetting took lower than per week.
Round 390,000 of Hong Kong’s 7.5 million individuals are Catholic, based on the diocese, and notable devotees embrace two former metropolis leaders.