“The bill is not in line with either legal or democratic standards, nor with the stance of the NLD,” said Nyo Nyo Thin.

Human rights and civil society groups have long criticised the Peaceful Assembly Law, or Article 19 as it is commonly known, saying it has been used by the government and military to suppress opposition.

Burma’s Parliament passes a bill proposing amendments to the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law that would oblige authorities to accept all applications for public rallies unless they can cite “valid reasons”.

An amendment to the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law has been voted on in Burma's Lower House and now awaits Upper House approval.

Hundreds of demonstrators gather in Yangon to protest proposed amendments to already contentious legislation that critics say would further curb the ability of citizens to publically assemble, as Parliament’s Upper House begins debate on the changes.

Civil society organisations say despite the new Freedom of Association Law passed in June last year, there are still many restrictions that should be dropped.