Zero tolerance for insulting public officers but no need for legislation

The Civil Servant Bureau said it would not criminalize insulting acts against public officers in the current government term.

In a written response to the Legislative Council panel on public service, the bureau said the government has zero tolerance for insulting acts against public officers, and it acknowledged society’s concerns against such acts.

It said civil servants should be respected for their professionalism and impartiality when serving the community.

“However, looking around in different jurisdictions, it is not common for laws specifically prohibiting insults to public officers. If relevant legislation is to be implemented, it will be quite challenging and controversial, such as how to define insults,” the bureau said.

It added that there are existing laws that would prohibit acts that may hinder or harm civil servants, citing the disorder in public places offense under the Public Order Ordinance, and “resisting or obstructing a public officer or other person lawfully engaged in a public duty” in the Summary Offences Ordinance.

“Having considered these circumstances, the government believes that there is no need to deal with the act of insulting public officers via legislation at present,” the bureau said.

The bureau and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau have met civil service trade unions and explained to them about the decision.

It said the administration will continue to utilize existing laws and enhance occupational safety measures, such as improving frontline law enforcement officers’ gears, as well as reviewing relevant guidelines in using the gears to prevent and reduce insults to officers.

(Eunice Lam)