The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) had today (30 October 2009) 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 former supervisor both in and outside the workplace.

The EOC has granted legal assistance in this case because the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace is prevalent in Hong Kong. In this particular case, the unlawful acts in questions involved a declaration of love, talking about one’s sexual relationship with a colleague, requests for going to a hotel and physical contact. The case should raise public awareness that making unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace 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.






Equal Opportunities Commission
30 October 2009