Like other sectors in society, the sports sector is not immune to abuse and harassment, which can indeed happen in all sports and at all levels. The issues of sexual harassment are further complicated as the acts often involve the power dynamics between coaches and athletes, and physical contact with the athletes. Last year, hurdler Miss Vera LUI Lai-yiu revealed on the social media that she was sexually assaulted by her coach during her teens. The incident triggered widespread discussion in the society and turned the spotlight on sexual harassment in the sports sector.

On 26 January, the EOC issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap 480 in the District Court, on behalf of a woman (the Claimant) who previously worked for a company (the Respondent) as a clerk. The Claimant alleged that she had been discriminated against by the Respondent on the ground of her pregnancy by forcing her to resign, and later dismissing her after she resumed work from her sick leave for her miscarriage.

The EOC has issued the spring issue of its half-yearly journal Equality Perspectives, which was distributed through the Hong Kong Economic Times in major business districts on 1 February.

The EOC made a submission to the Legislative Council’s Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities on 22 January to provide recommendations on the “Administrative Guidelines on Promotion of Racial Equality”. The Guidelines were issued by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau in 2010 to guide government functions and public bodies in promoting racial equality, especially in ensuring equal access to public services by ethnic minorities.