Vietnam proposes new regulations for national anthem use

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a draft decree to regulate the use of the national anthem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Ministry of Justice has released the appraisal dossier for this draft, which aims to establish clear principles and prohibited behaviors regarding the anthem.

The proposal defines the national anthem as a sacred national symbol and public asset under unified state management. It emphasizes that use must ensure integrity, correct lyrics, and correct music, while preventing any form of commercialization.

The draft outlines seven prohibited acts, including using the anthem to oppose the state, distorting the melody or lyrics, or combining it with other audio or visual content in a way that is offensive. Additionally, it prohibits the use of unauthorized arrangements or recordings, seeking profit through copyright fees, or attempting to claim intellectual property rights over the anthem or its official recordings on digital platforms.

Notably, the proposal suggests prohibiting the use of the national anthem as background music in entertainment venues and at funerals, except for the playing of the national flag anthem during funeral ceremonies.