- 2 -
For these reasons, Mr President, ex-officio Members of this Council will:
(a)
abstain from voting on Dr Yeung's motion;
(b)
(c)
support Mr Fung's amendment as it is consistent with our position on the matter; and
oppose Mr Lee's amendment since in our judgment the electoral package passed by this Council last year is the best arrangement for open and fair elections which are consistent with the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
End/Wednesday, June 28, 1995
Sex Discrimination Bill passed
The passage of the Sex Discrimination Bill through the Legislative Council today (Thursday) represents a significant step taken by the community towards the goal of gender equality.
"I am pleased to see the Bill receiving majority support from the Legislative Council," the acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Stella Hung, said.
"Since the publication in August 1993 of the Green Paper on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, the community has responded with the clear message that they support the introduction of legislation to deal with sex discrimination.
"In the light of this overwhelming support, the Sex Discrimination Bill was introduced into the Legislative Council in October 1994."
Mrs Hung pointed out that the Bill has received careful and comprehensive attention by members of the Bills Committee and various sectors of the community.
"We are deeply indebted for the many constructive ideas they have put forward, which we have endeavoured to capture in the Committee Stage Amendments proposed by the Administration today.