Pro-democracy lawmakers stood in silence in the council on Thursday to remember the victims of the Tiananmen massacre exactly 31 years ago, even though their request for all members to hold a minute of silence had been rejected.

Legco president Andrew Leung cited rules of procedures as he told the Democratic Party's Andrew Wan, who asked for the move, that this could not be allowed.

Several pan-dems ignored Leung and stood for a while in silence anyway during the meeting to debate a new law banning disrespect of the national anthem.

As Chan Kin-por from the pro-establishment camp was speaking, the pan-democrats began chanting "Don't forget June 4".

This year is the first since 1990 that no large-scale commemoration event for the massacre will be held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

The authorities have cited the coronavirus pandemic for their decision to ban the annual candelight vigil.

Pro-democracy figures have instead urged people to light candles wherever they are in the city at 8pm, with some activists insisting they will go to Victoria Park in any case, in groups of eight so as not to breach public gathering restrictions.