No need for Hong Kong law banning discrimination against mainland Chinese, new head of equality watchdog says
- New chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission Linda Lam says social atmosphere has become more peaceful following reopening of borders
- Discriminating against sexual minorities will also continue to be tackled with existing laws, she says.
Hong Kong’s equality watchdog will not push for legislation on discrimination against mainland Chinese because of “a more harmonious social atmosphere” in the city after the reopening of the borders, its new chairperson has said, while vowing to continue the fight against unfair treatment.
“As the social atmosphere has become more peaceful and harmonious in recent years after the reopening of the borders, we think that there is no such urgent need to enact legislation,” she said.
“But this does not mean that we will ignore this issue. We will retain the research we did in the past and our suggestions … so that we can respond more quickly if the problem occurs.”
Lam added the commission would continue its public education efforts to raise awareness of the need for inclusiveness.
As for the fight against sexual harassment, she said the watchdog had already provided legal suggestions on the issue to the government and held discussions with authorities, adding the work was still in progress.
