Hong Kong's future government said it wanted to "strike a balance between civil liberties and social stability." But the Democratic Party, which is often critical of China, called the proposals "flagrant violations of basic human rights."
Outgoing British Gov. Chris Patten said they would "undoubtedly tighten the screw on Hong Kong's civil liberties."
The proposed changes, outlined in a document released for public comment, stem from recent moves by a China-appointed committee to roll back Hong Kong's civil liberties.
The incoming government, which assumes power when the British colony returns to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, defends the moves as needed to bring Hong Kong's freedoms into line with the constitution China has written for it.
The important test that lies ahead, however, is whether the future government is willing to compromise on the extent of the proposed rollbacks after the public consultation it has promised.
Patten told reporters that the case for amending the laws "has not been demonstrated and cannot be demonstrated."
People wanting to hold demonstrations after July 1 must seek police permission seven days beforehand, or 48 hours in special circumstances, said Michael Suen, policy coordinator for the future government.
Demonstrators now must notify the police, but do not have to apply for permission.
Another change would prohibit groups that engage in politics from forming links with foreign political organizations.
Political parties would be barred from soliciting overseas donations, and could be banned altogether "in the interests of national security or public safety, public order or the protection of public morals."
Coupled with China's determination to disband the elected legislature, such changes would set back Hong Kong's democratic development to the beginning of the decade, when the British governor had sweeping powers to silence critics.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's leader-in-waiting, says the changes are necessary to prevent Hong Kong from becoming a base for destabilizing China.
The concept of "political organizations" and "political links" is "so wide that it will simply catch a lot of people in its net,'" said Democratic Party vice chair Yeung Sum.
Mindful of the Democrats' strong following in Hong Kong, and their ability to mobilize foreign opinion, Tung met with their representatives immediately after the proposals were published.
Democrat Albert Ho said Tung "made positive responses" to their objections, but declined to reveal details of the one-hour meeting.
Suen said the future government must "strike a balance between civil liberties and social stability, personal rights and social obligations."