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Discrimination is an issue which is closely associated with societal values and personal beliefs. Public education is needed to enable the community at large to have a full understanding of the meaning of "equal opportunities for all". We have, since the enactment of these two Ordinances, actively promoted awareness of their provisions. We have also allocated additional resources to step up public education on equal opportunities. The Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education has launched activities to promote equal opportunities.
Equal Opportunities Commission
To facilitate the early commencement of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, preparation for the establishment of the Equal Opportunities Commission is now well underway. A preparatory team has been set up in Home Affairs Branch to oversee all the necessary arrangements and work is progressing well. We hope to bring the Equal Opportunities Commission into operation by the end of this year. The Commission will have an annual recurrent budget estimated at $65 million. Proposals for funding the Commission will be submitted to the Finance Committee shortly.
Studies on Family Status and Sexuality
In respect of other areas of discrimination, the Government committed in July this year to undertake studies on discrimination on the grounds of age, family status, and sexuality, and to report to the Legislative Council the conclusions of these studies within the current legislative session. The study on age discrimination is being undertaken by Education and Manpower Branch, and my colleague, the Secretary for Education and Manpower will explain separately what his Branch is doing in this regard.
Home Affairs Branch has already embarked on studies with respect to discrimination on the grounds of family status and sexuality. These involve extensive research and assessments of the problem of discrimination. Our research involves an examination of experience overseas and a series of discussions with interested groups to identify the problems and possible measures to tackle them.