Hong Kong diocese shows sympathy for drive to ensure voting rights

July 24, 2013

The Hong Kong diocese has expressed strong support for efforts to ensure that the people of Hong Kong will be allowed to elect their own political representatives, saying that acts of civil disobedience could be justified to advance that goal.

In a public statement the diocese said that complicated voting rules, which limit the power of people in Hong Kong to choose their representatives, are an offense against basic civil rights. Acts of civil disobedience could be "reasonable" in response to such offenses, the statement indicated.

The statement was perceived as encouraging for the Occupy Central movement, which has threatened massive demonstrations next year, possibly shutting down the commercial center of the busy city, in a bid to expand democracy.

 

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Further information:

• Catholic diocese backs civil disobedience acts (South China Morning Post)