The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) of China proposed an amendment to the the country’s 20006 Public Security Administration Punishment Law which if enacted would allow authorities to fine and detain people who wear clothes that “hurt the nation’s feelings,”
The NPCSC is the permanent body of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the national legislature of China, and conducts the day-to-day legislative work of the NPC.
The proposed new law along with other amendments was posted on the NPCS website in early September and seeks to ban garments and symbols “detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese nation.” The revised law does not specify what type of clothes might be outlawed. However, those found in violation could face detention of up to 15 days and fines of 5,000 yuan ($685).
The proposed new law has sparked new concerns over freedom of expression in China.
The draft amendment also targets speech, and would prohibit “producing, disseminating, publicizing, and disseminating articles or remarks” thought to damage China’s “spirit.”
