The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is disappointed at the District Court ruling today (8 March 2001), in a sexual harassment case lodged under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, brought by the plaintiff against the instructor or "Sifu" of the student in the course of providing martial arts training. Although the Court criticized the defendant's evidence in several instances, it found that the burden of proof had not been adequately discharged by the plaintiff.


According to the EOC's latest figures, sexual harassment forms the most significant number of complaints received under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. The complaints arose in the areas of employment, provision of services and goods and in educational establishments.


These cases reflect the severity of the matter, and the Commission will continue in its efforts in public education, to underline that sexual harassment is unlawful.


Equal Opportunities Commission


8 March 2001

Enquiry: EOC Hotline 25118211