Reflections on the article 23 legislation

The Government published its Consultation Document on the Proposals to Implement Article ’23 of the Basic Law in September 2002. In response, a unanimous voice from the community called for the publication of a White Bill, for it was said the devils were in the details. The call was rejected, as the Government argued that the Blue Bill was good enough for consultation. At the same time, the Government concluded (erroneously) that the responses to the Consultation Document showed overwhelming support for the introduction of the proposed legislation, and barged ahead.