XN000022-1994-12-13 — Page 7

6

"Meanwhile, more men are playing a part in doing family chores and taking care of their children. All these show that we are moving towards the realisation of sex equality in Hong Kong." he said.

But the Government will not just rest on its laurels. Mr Suen added.

!

Besides, the community has also expressed concerns over the furtherance of the principle of sex equality on the established foundation

In response to these concerns, he said, the Government published the Green paper on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in August 1993 to solicit public views on measures to enhance gender equality.

Having conducted a thorough study and extensive consultation on this subject in the past 14 months, the Government has now come up with the Sex Discrimination Bill which was introduced into the Legislative Council on October 26 this year.

"Since the areas covered by this kind of legislation are completely new to Hong Kong, we should take a careful and practical approach in drawing up the legislation.

"The Government therefore has taken into consideration views expressed by different sectors of the community in the formulation of the bill

"While reflecting public exceptions, the bill will seek to achieve equality of opportunities for both women and men in a proper and prudent manner." Mr Suen said.

In short, the Sex Discrimination Bill is mainly to eliminate potential inequalities arising from difference in sex.

The bill renders unlawful sex discrimination and harassment in specified areas. of activity; the areas will include employment, education, the provision of goods and services and the disposal and management of premises.

Moreover, taking into account the views expressing by various community organisations, the bill also makes it unlawful, in the employment field, to discriminate against a person on the ground of marital status or pregnancy.

"For example, sex or marital status shall not be made a requirement for a post- advertised. Employers too shall not decide, on the basis of sex or marital status, whether the applicant is eligible to take up the post," he said