In regard to the remarks made by the Hon LAM Cheuk-ting while discussing with the Chief Superintendent of Police (Planning and Development), Hong Kong Police Force Ms Alice LEE Nga-lai at the Legislative Council Finance Committee meeting on 6 March 2020, during which Mr Lam, when quoting an example, asked whether she had engaged in prostitution during Police undercover operation, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issued today (10 March 2020) the following statement:

1. The EOC expresses regret over the remarks made by the Hon Lam Cheuk-ting at the Legislative Council. The remarks were both inappropriate and unnecessary in the context of the discussion, and would only cause the other person to feel embarrassed, offended and even humiliated. In addition, the remarks could possibly violate the provisions on sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. Examples of sexual harassment include comments with sexual innuendoes and suggestive or insulting words.

2. Although Legislative Councillors are entitled to immunity from legal proceedings in respect of the words spoken before, or written in a report to, the Council or a committee under the law, such that the EOC cannot take any follow-up action on the incident, the EOC nevertheless hope that legislators, as elected representatives of the community, should lead by example, and avoid making any discriminatory or sexual harassment remarks, as well as ensure that the discussion is conducted in a mutually respectful manner.

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Equal Opportunities Commission
10 March 2020