PS/LPS
CONFIDENTIAL
Hkk 380
HONG KONG : MP'S LETTER
Problem
DUSK
PA
No
ત્
213
A
49
1. To reply to a letter of 16 February from the
48
IT ML 61
Rt Hon Leon Brittan QC MP enclosing one from Mr K Brookfield
to Mr Hurd.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend the Lord Privy Seal send an interim reply
3.
B
32
on the lines of the attached draft.
Background and Argument
Background to this issue is contained in Hong Kong
Telegram No 167.
4. The policy of the Hong Kong Government not to employ or
retain known homosexuals is quite logical in respect of male
officers since homosexual acts between consenting male adults
remain an offence under Hong Kong law. There is, however, a
I had previously thought
problem in relation to female officers.
that the law in relation to homosexual acts did not cover females
but the Hong Kong Government have stated that in their view it
does. I am seeking clarification from our Legal Advisers on
this point. In the meantime I recommend that an interim reply
be sent to Mr Brittan. Once we have clarified the position
on females under the Hong Kong law, I will submit a draft
substantive reply.
Dip
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
24 February 1982
cc Mr Burrows, Legal Advisers
CONFIDENTIAL
(40)