中文版

  1. The EOC presents findings of the Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status to the Legislative Council

Cover of the Report on Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status

On 15 February 2016, the EOC presented the findings of the Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity (SOGI) and Intersex Status to the Legislative Council’s Panel on Constitutional Affairs. In his presentation, Dr. York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, noted the breadth and scope of the study, and emphasised the finding that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is a common occurrence in Hong Kong, with the victims finding little or no means of redress. The study also found that public opinion has visibly shifted in favour of legislation against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status, with support being particularly strong among young people. Dr. Chow also reiterated the EOC’s call on the Government to consider conducting a public consultation on introducing anti-discrimination legislation on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status as soon as possible. “Given the evidence of widespread discrimination against LGBTI people, it is recommended that the consultation should focus on the scope and possible content of the legislation, rather than whether there should be legislation,” said Dr. Chow. “It is crucially important for the consultation exercise to contain as many concrete details as possible to minimise misunderstandings.”

In addition to calling for public consultation on potential anti-discrimination legislation, the study also made a number of recommendations for action, including encouraging the Government to give further consideration to explore claims about possible discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief; facilitating dialogue and better understanding between different groups on the issue of LGBTI discrimination through various avenues such as public forums or workshops; ensuring frontline government officials and staff of public bodies who are providing public services are given appropriate training and guidelines to avoid discriminatory behaviour; widening public education to dispel myths and misconceptions about LGBTI people; and expanding support measures targeted at LGBTI people to ensure their equal participation in society.

The EOC has lined up a series of briefings for stakeholder groups to engage them in understanding and discussing the study findings. These included a briefing for the Interbank Network on 4 February and a lunchtime meeting with the Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys Network on 16 February. On 18 February, the Chairperson and representatives of the EOC will join the documentary film screening of the Canadian film “Jim Loves Jack: The James Egan Story” organised by the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong. The EOC Chairperson will also participate in the panel discussion as a guest speaker to discuss the equal rights of LGBT persons.


Read the EOC’s Submission to the Legislative Council
Read the Report on the Study

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  1. The EOC co-organises talk on gender and violence on university campuses with The Women’s Foundation

Banner on talk on prevention of gender violence and sexual harassment in universities by Dr. Jackson Katz

On 2 March 2016, the EOC will co-organise with The Women’s Foundation (TWF) a seminar for university leaders and administrators on violence prevention on university campuses. Dr. Jackson KATZ, a renowned American educator, filmmaker and cultural theorist who is pioneering scholarship and activism on issues of gender and violence, will be the keynote speaker and share updates from US campuses and related models on gender-based violence prevention. In addition, Dr. Ferrick CHU, the EOC’s Director of Policy, Research & Training, will speak on the prevalence of sexual harassment in Hong Kong schools and preventive measures taken, while Professor WONG Wai Ching of The Chinese University of Hong Kong will also share her observations about her survey on sexual harassment on campus. Ms. Su-Mei THOMPSON, CEO of TWF and EOC Member, will deliver the opening address, and Dr. York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, will give the Closing Remarks in the Seminar.

Date: 2 March 2016 (Wednesday)
Time: 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
Language: English
Venue: Conference Room, Equal Opportunities Commission
19/F Cityplaza Three
14 Taikoo Wan Road, Taikoo Shing


Details

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  1. The EOC’s 2016 Spring Calendar Training Programme opens for enrolment

EOC’s 2016 Spring Calendar Training Programme

As a manager, a human resource practitioner or an employer, do you know how the anti-discrimination ordinances affect you and your business? To facilitate a more inclusive workplace for all, the EOC’s Calendar Training for Spring 2016 (March to June 2016) is now open for enrolment. Among the current offerings are “The Commission and the Ordinances”, which introduces the anti-discrimination laws in Hong Kong and the work of the EOC; “Promoting Culturally Inclusive Workplace”, which explores the benefit of diversity at work; and training on “Preventing and Managing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace”. Other programmes popular among human resource practitioners include “Managing Recruitment and Selection Processes” and “Managing Complaints in the Workplace”. Please click on the link below for more details.


Details

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  1. The EOC supports the Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project to widen awareness of equal opportunities among youth

Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project School Drama Competition

The EOC is a supporting organisation of the Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project, run by Prospects Theatre Company and funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Officially launched on 13 October 2015, this three-year project involves citywide drama competition and a host of drama-related activities to promote the concept of equal opportunity and inclusion among students. The final rounds of the drama competition 2015-16 will be held from 10 March to early April at Shatin Town Hall.

As part of this project, Youth Drama Ambassadors were also recruited from among post-secondary, secondary, and upper primary students in Hong Kong. The ambassadors receive training in drama/theatre while learning about the concepts of equality, and are expected to help promote inclusion in the society. On 20 February 2016, the EOC will host a visit from the 2016 Youth Drama Ambassadors, during which the young people will get a chance to meet the EOC Chairperson, Dr. York CHOW, and receive an informational talk on the EOC’s work to promote equal opportunities for all.


Prospects Theatre’s Facebook Page
More on the Jockey Club Equal Opportunities Drama Project

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  1. Launch of “Race for Opportunity: DIVERSITY LIST” by the Zubin Foundation

Logo of Zubin Foundation

The Zubin Foundation, in partnership with Spencer Stuart, will launch “Race for Opportunity: DIVERSITY LIST” on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Monday 21 March 2016. “Race for Opportunity: DIVERSITY LIST” is a list of committed ethnic minority individuals who have the skills, experience, and passion to serve on Hong Kong Government advisory committees. The DIVERSITY LIST is the first list of its kind in Hong Kong. The Zubin Foundation is honoured to have Mrs. Carrie LAM, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region join this launch event. Mr. Michael CHAN, Chief Operations Officer of the EOC, will also be one of the panellists.

Date: 21 March 2016
Time: 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm (Lunch included)
Venue: The Excelsior Hotel, Marina Room-1
281 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay


Details

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  1. Call for Nominations for 2016 Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Initiative – SME Award

Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards 2016 by Community Business

LGBT inclusion matters for every individual and every workplace. All efforts, regardless of the size of the company or the level of financial and other resources that have been utilised, count towards greater inclusion. Following the successful launch of the Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards in 2015, Community Business has introduced a number of new categories this year, providing the opportunity to engage and celebrate the work of more individuals and organisations.

To recognise an initiative introduced by a small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) that has had a significant and positive impact in promoting LGBT inclusion in their workplace in Hong Kong, Community Business has launched an SME category in their 2016 Hong Kong LGBT Inclusion Awards. Do you know of any SME, including your own company, that is making efforts on LGBT workplace inclusion? It’s time for them to be recognised! Nominate them now! As a nominator, you will also get the chance to win a prize. Deadline for nomination is 26 February 2016.


Download nomination form
Details

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Visit our website or download the EOC mobile app (Apple App Store / Google Play) to stay updated on the EOC’s work and positions, and to review our press releases and calendar training. Also, stay tuned on other equal opportunities issues and community initiatives by visiting our community resources and community events pages for information from our community partners, including publications, survey reports, publicity campaigns, and upcoming conferences.