XN000022-1995-07-28 — Page 53

Why does the Government, then, not propose Committee Stage amendments of its own to make the legislation workable? We have not done this because we are not yet in any better position to introduce comprehensive proposals. Unless and until we have consulted the public adequately and thoroughly examined the consequence of the detailed provisions of the Bills, we can have no certainty that any Committee Stage amendments we might propose would render the Bills generally acceptable to the public, and would properly adapt the Bills to Hong Kong's particular circumstances and needs.

Our step by step approach does not mean that vulnerable groups are being left unprotected. The Bill of Rights Ordinance provides protection against discrimination by the Government or public authorities. Many existing laws also provide protection for such groups.

Public education is very important. We are therefore working hard in this important area to foster changes in attitude with respect to equality of opportunity and to foster a culture of genuine respect for other people's rights. We are stepping up public education on equal opportunities and have already allocated the necessary resources to take up this challenge. Equal opportunities for ethnic minority groups will be one of the main themes of this year's civic education programme.

We have also been introducing targeted legislative measures in areas covered by the Bills. For example, in April 1993 legislation was passed that prohibits local television licensees from broadcasting material that is likely to incite racial hatred. As regards spent convictions, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Ordinance has been in place for a number of years and earlier this year the Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Ordinance was enacted.

Turning more specifically to the Equal Opportunities (Family Responsibility, Sexuality and Age) Bill, I would like to draw Hon Members' attention to a few important points. First, on family status, it is important to note that the Sex Discrimination Ordinance already addresses discrimination on the ground of marital status. This is in itself a substantial step forward in the promotion of equal opportunities. It is only sensible to allow ourselves the chance to benefit from the experience in implementing and enforcing the Sex Discrimination Ordinance before we decide whether further legislation in respect of family status is warranted.