In 1997, the provisional legislature weakened several provisions of Hong Kong s 1991 Bill of Rights, amended the Societies Ordinance to permit authorities to deny registration or to de-register exisiting nongovernmental organizations on broad national security grounds, and amended the Public Order Ordinance to require organizers to obtain police permission to hold demonstrations, which officials can deny on national security grounds. In 1997, the Tung administration banned demonstrations advocating Taiwanese or Tibetan independence. In December 1999, the CFA upheld statuatory provisions criminalizing desecration of the Chinese and Hong Kong flags. Hong Kong is a regional media center, although its dozens of domestic newspapers and magazines practice some self-censorship regarding Beijing and local businessmen. Private television and radio stations also operate.
Unions are independent.
The Trade Union Ordinance places some restrictions on organizing and allows authorities to monitor union administration. In 1997, the provisional legislature repealed five laws on collective bargaining, anti-union discrimination, and the right to associate with unions abroad without first notifying the government. Workplace antidiscrimination legislation is inadequate, and women face discrimination in employment matters. In addition to trying to limit the right of abode, the government has also insisted that immigrants from China obtain valid Chinese exit permits. Critics say people with the right to live in Hong Kong should not have to remain in China until Chinese authorities grant them permission to leave.