China Bans On Clothing That "Hurts" National Pride

China's public is expressing concern about a potential legal change that could result in fines and even jail time for individuals who offend the government's sensibilities by wearing inappropriate clothing.

Last year, in Suzhou, a city near Shanghai, police detained a woman for wearing a kimono in public.

The Standing Committee of the nation's legislature has released a draft of revisions to the law that would prohibit a range of behaviors, including dress or speech "detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese people and offensive to the feelings of the Chinese people."

Violators could face up to 15 days in jail or fines of up to 5,000 yuan ($680).

The draft law highlights how Chinese leader Xi Jinping has tightened control over civil liberties in the nation of approximately 1.4 billion people over his decade in power, including increased internet censorship.

Last year, in Suzhou, a city near Shanghai, police detained a woman for wearing a kimono in public.

One user of Weibo, a social media platform, who goes by the handle Nalan lang yueyueyue, questioned how authorities would determine when the nation's feelings had been hurt.

"Shouldn't the spirit of the Chinese nation be strong and resilient?" the individual asked. "Why can it be easily damaged by clothing?"

Du Zhaoyong, who identifies himself as a lawyer on Weibo, posted a message that received 8,800 likes, stating that the law would "undoubtedly introduce significant uncertainty and open the door wide to arbitrary and unauthorized punishment." The post later disappeared from Weibo.

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