‘Totally different’ political climate paves way for smooth passage of Hong Kong’s domestic national security law compared to earlier attempt

Resistance to Hong Kong’s domestic national security legislation by half a million people more than two decades ago has stayed in the collective memory of many as a symbol of a will to fight for civil liberties and human rights.

Yet on Tuesday, the city’s legislature sailed the bill through unanimously with all votes aligned behind the new law, a stark contrast from 2003.

Back then, in response to the massive protest, the city’s first post-handover leader, Tung Chee-hwa, withdrew the legislation.

Three other chief executives after him steered clear of the...