House Passes Resolutions Supporting Hong Kong Protesters

Shouting furiously, pro-democracy lawmakers foiled an attempt by Hong Kong's leader to deliver her annual policy speech. In chaotic scenes in the Legislative Council, Chief Executive Carrie Lam walked out after lawmakers interrupted her the first time. After a delay of a few minutes, she then walked back in and tried again, but was again forced to stop as lawmakers again yelled and chanted. When the chairman suspended the session, Lam walked out again. One lawmaker tossed a placard as Lam was leaving. Hong Kong is in the grip of monthslong pro-democracy protests calling for universal suffrage, an independent inquiry of police use of force, and other demands.

Before Lam's attempt to deliver the address, Hong Kong's government said the US Congress shouldn't interfere in the territory's affairs, after the House passed three bills showing US support for pro-democracy protesters, the AP reports. The House approved the bills Tuesday with separate voice votes. One condemns China's intrusions into Hong Kong's affairs. Another requires annual reviews by the US secretary of state of Hong Kong's special economic and trade status. The third would ensure US weapons aren't used against protesters. The response from Hong Kong's government said, "foreign legislatures should not interfere in any form."

(More Hong Kong stories.)