XN000022-1995-07-28 — Page 55

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Discrimination is of course something we should all work hard to eliminate and I am not discounting the possible need to legislate against discrimination based on age or any of the other grounds covered by the Hon. Anna Wu's Bills.

In line with this step-by-step approach, the Administration is already committed to conduct a study on discrimination based on sexual preference, family status and age. The study will include a thorough public consultation and the Legislative Council will also be consulted. The public will be consulted on the extent of the problem and the impact of possible measures, including the need for legislation, to deal with it. In soliciting views on the legislative option, members of the public will be asked to comment on the scope of such legislation with reference to Ms Anna Wu's Bill, the time frame for implementation and the enforcement mechanism.

The Administration will commence the study and will report to the Legislative Council on the findings of the study as soon as possible within the next Legislative Council session. If it is decided that legislation is the best approach, the Administration will be prepared to introduce legislation in the 1996/97 legislative session, subject to allocation of the necessary resources.

Taking a measured and considered approach to the problem of discrimination is most emphatically not supporting discrimination. It is a recognition of the complexity of the problem and the drawbacks of hasty action.

In conclusion, I urge Members to support the Government's measured and considered approach to tackling the problem of discrimination and to vote against the Second Reading of this Bill.

End/Friday, July 28, 1995

Equal Opportunities (Race) Bill

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, at the resumption of second reading of the Equal Opportunities (Race) Bill in the Legislative Council today (Saturday):

Hong Kong is an open, progressive and dynamic society where people of different race, colour and origin live in peace and harmony. This is something which we as a community should be proud of, something we should treasure and endeavour to preserve.