The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) had today (19 September 2016) issued legal proceedings under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), Cap. 480, in the District Court on behalf of a woman who was sexually harassed by her colleague on a number of occasions.

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case because the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace is still prevalent in Hong Kong. In this particular case, the unlawful acts in questions involved making unwelcome sexual advances, talking about one’s sex or private life, using sexually explicit language in office and trying to get physical contact with the Plaintiff that she found offensive and intimidating. The case should raise public awareness that making unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace and creating a sexually hostile and intimidating work environment may constitute sexual harassment. The Plaintiff has obtained an anonymity order from the District Court and disclosure of her name in this case is prohibited.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
19 September 2016