Hong Kong copyright bill debate stalled again as pan-democrats call for quorum bell
Today marks the third time in little over a week that consideration of the controversial legislation has been delayed
Hong Kong’s legislature formally took up debate on a contentious copyright bill after discussion was postponed last night for the second time in a week, but it was halted some 20 minutes soon afterward.
As debate was taken up this morning in the Legislative Council, Labour Party lawmaker Cyd Ho Sau-lan motioned to adjourn the debate, and, acting in coordination, People Power duo Albert Chan Wai-yip and Raymond Chan Chi-chuen repeatedly called for the quorum bell, making a vote on Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2014 unlikely today.
The quorum bell was rung 21 times yesterday and seven times this morning, this after a session in the chamber was postponed last week because not enough members were present.
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Supporters of the legislation insisted the amendments were long overdue to make update current laws to adequately fight piracy. However, opponents feared the new language would curb freedom of expression, especially on the internet.
Articulating her concerns, Ho said: "Of course the people can argue their cases in the court and the judge will make a decision. But perhaps the lawyers do not understand the level of frustration faced by the public in preparing for a lawsuit.”
But Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung countered that Ho’s adjournment motion was not needed.
Citing an editorial appearing this morning in the Chinese-language newspaper Ming Pao, So said: “Legco’s scrutiny of the copyright amendment bill is yet another clash between sensibility and popularism, as well as an opportunity for a return to a professional approach.”
