Hong Kong's two professional legal bodies representing barristers and solicitors on Tuesday welcomed the government's proposals for the Article 23 national security legislation.

Bar Association chairman Victor Dawes said it's the SAR government's constitutional duty to enact the law, adding that the Bar will carefully study the proposed legislation and express its views in due course.

Meanwhile, the Law Society said it would carefully examine the details of the proposed legislation and submit its views to the government as soon as possible.

In a statement, society president Chan Chak-ming said officials should strike a balance between fulfilling constitutional duties and safeguarding people's rights when considering the legislation.