Anyone who “abuses” China’s national anthem could soon face more than two weeks’ detention. Chinese lawmakers are studying the first draft of legislation to punish abuses of the country’s national anthem, state media reported. The draft laws would ban people from playing the March of the Volunteers at events such as funerals or as background music in public places, which lawmakers argue reduce the anthem’s dignity. Malicious revisions to the lyrics or derogatory performances may also be punished under the proposed legislation by up to 15 days in detention.
