XN000022-1995-10-14+15 — Page 7

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Measures to enhance human rights protection

In keeping with the Government's firm commitment to promote equal opportunities for all, the Home Affairs Branch has embarked on extensive studies in discrimination on the grounds of family status and sexuality.

The studies included an assessment of the problems and a thorough public consultation on the measures to tackle the problems identified, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, said at briefing sessions for the Legislative Council and the media today (Saturday) on the Home Affairs Branch's policy commitments.

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"Research encompasses examination of experience overseas and discussions various organisations and groups in the community including homosexual/bisexual groups, employers associations, labour unions, social service groups and academics.

"This will provide information for the preparation of the consultation documents to be published before the end of this year," Mr Suen said.

He said the public consultation would be for a period of two months and the need for legislation would feature among the options to address the problems identified.

On the legislative option to be set out in the consultation documents, Mr Suen said it would be modelled closely on work that had already been done and the Legislative Council would be kept informed of the findings of the studies.

"If the studies conclude that legislation is the best approach, we will try our very best to have the relevant bills tabled within the 1995-96 legislative session," he added.

He said in respect of the study on sexuality, an opinion survey had also been commissioned to gauge public attitude on the subject and the issues which might arise from measures proposed to tackle the problem.

"We will continue to promote equality and the rights of the individual, both through encouraging changes in public attitude and through legislation when this is necessary," he said.