A draft law banning speech and dressing “detrimental to the spirit of Chinese people” has sparked intense debate in China.

If the law comes into force, people found guilty could be fined or jailed, but the proposal does not yet outline what constitutes a violation.

BBC News says China recently released a range of proposed changes to its public security laws – the first reforms in decades.

The contentious clauses suggest that people who wear or force others to wear clothing and symbols that “undermine the spirit or hurt the feelings of the Chinese nation” could be detained for up to 15 days and fined up to 5,000 yuan ($680).

Those who create or disseminate articles or speech that do so could also face the same punishment.

The proposed law has been criticised as being absurd and there are calls for more clarity to avoid excessive enforcement.