Copyright bill debate delayed again
Protesters opposed to the bill outside Legco. Photo: RTHK
The debate on the controversial copyright amendment bill has been delayed until Thursday, after lawmakers spent four out of nine hours on quorum calls at Wednesday’s meeting.
Several pro-democracy lawmakers opposed to the bill made 20 quorum calls to slow he proceedings. They say the copyright legislation will limit freedom of speech on the internet.
It’s the second time the debate has been postponed, following a lack of quorum in the chamber last week. However all items before the bill have now been cleared.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Greg So, hoped lawmakers will handle the matter rationally. Afterwards, several pro-democracy legislators spoke at a protest outside the Legislative Council building. They included Wong Yuk-man, Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau, and her colleague Helena Wong.
Wong said legislators will not be able to vote on the bill in the coming days, and the council is only expected to have the third reading at the end of next month. He described the filibuster as a tough war.
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