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Also, we have proposed in Clauses 42 and 18 of the Bill that the New Territories Ordinance and the Primary One Admission System be exempted from the operation of the Bill.
The Family Status Discrimination Bill reflects the community's aspirations on how we should proceed to achieve equal opportunities for persons of different family status. We have neither moved hastily nor tried to go beyond the levels which the community at large want us to go. We have prepared a bill which is suitable for Hong Kong and equally important, we have proposed to extend the jurisdiction of the Equal Opportunities Commission, and independent statutory body, to ensure the effective implementation of the legislation.
The enactment of the Bill will provide the means by which members of the community, irrespective of family status, will be able to make the most of their potential to participate fully in all areas of activity. We are convinced that this Bill, which is our considered response to demonstrated public demand, will serve Hong Kong's needs well.
Mr President, with these remarks, I commend the Bill to this Council.
End
Resumption of the second reading on the Coroners Bill
Following is a speech by the Attorney General, Mr Jeremy Mathews, in the resumption of the second reading debate on the Coroners Bill in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Mr President,
As I explained when I introduced this Bill into this Council in February last year, the objective of this Bill is to repeal and replace the existing Coroners Ordinance in order to give effect to the majority of the recommendations contained in the Report on Coroners issued by the Law Reform Commission in 1987.