Hong Kong’s legislature on Thursday completed the second reading of the national anthem bill after it had been held up for more than a year by opposition legislators.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said the bill is necessary to let Hong Kong people understand the importance to acknowledge and respect the national anthem — March of the Volunteers. He said that the government will take follow-up action to strengthen people’s sense of national identity. 

Under the law, anyone who insults or belittles the dignity of the national anthem is liable to a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,449) and imprisonment for three years.

The third reading of the bill and the final vote are scheduled in June.

kathyzhang@chinadailyhk.com