Hong Kong's two professional legal bodies representing barristers and solicitors have welcomed the enactment of Article 23 national security legislation.

The Bar Association said it recognises the importance of fulfilling the constitutional obligation to protect national security.

The association also said it supported the legislative work by submitting its views during the consultation process, and that the legal sector will continue to serve the SAR faithfully.

The Law Society said the bill's passage enabled the SAR to fulfil its constitutional duty and improve the system for safeguarding national security.

"The Law Society firmly believes that with Hong Kong’s robust rule of law and independent judicial system, an appropriate balance can be struck between safeguarding national security and upholding fundamental human rights in the implementation of the legislation," the society's president Chan Chak-ming wrote in response to media enquiries.