China is reportedly considering enacting a new rule to penalize anyone who wears clothing that offends the communist government’s sensibilities.
Under a draft amendment to the proposed law, a wide range of behaviors, including dress and speech, that are “harmful to the spirit of the Chinese people and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people” would be banned.
The draft was released by the standing committee of the nation’s legislature and has been given priority for adoption this year, according to Bloomberg.
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- Violation of the law costs up to 5,000 yuan
- Shipping of black clothing banned during pro-democracy riots in Hong Kong
Violation of the law costs up to 5,000 yuan
Credit: AFP
Violations of the law can result in imprisonment for up to 15 days or a fine of up to 5,000 yuan (£545). However, it was unclear what images or comments authorities might consider offensive.
The bill illustrates President Xi Jinping’s decade-long campaign to crack down on dissent in the country of 1.4 billion people.
According to the story, a woman was jailed last year in Suzhou, a city near Shanghai, for wearing a kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) in public.
In recent months, Chinese authorities have cracked down on people who wear rainbow T-shirts to concerts or distribute flags with pro-LGBTQ+ insignia.
The proposed regulation has sparked fury on social media among Chinese civilians, with many wondering how the government would know when the nation’s sensibilities would be hurt.
“Shouldn’t the spirit of the Chinese nation be strong and resilient?” said Weibo user “Nalan lang yueyueyue”. “How can a disguise easily harm him?”
Shipping of black clothing banned during pro-democracy riots in Hong Kong
Credit: Canva
Earlier this year, during the pro-democracy riots in Hong Kong, the Chinese government banned the shipment of black clothing from the mainland to the financial hub.
During the demonstrations, protesters wore basic black t-shirts, jeans, and face masks as their uniform. Beijing banned black shirts and other clothing, helmets, umbrellas, walkie-talkies, drones, goggles and metal chains.
Discussion in China over legislation banning clothing that “hurts feelings” is sparking heated debate both inside and outside the country.
Credit: Canva
As the debate continues, the world will watch how this legislation affects individual liberties and the broader social environment in China.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn