. 9.
"We have no preconceived ideas on these measures and welcome other suggestions on these issues. The public response will guide us in mapping out the future course of action in these two areas," Mr Suen said.
Each of the measures outlined carried with it particular implications which would have an effect on the community, he said: "It is therefore imperative that the public should consider these issues thoroughly and make their views known.
"Findings of the studies will be reported to the Legislative Council after we have analysed all submissions from the public."
On the format of the consultation papers, Mr Suen said both adopted a similar approach.
Each document summarised HAB's research into overseas experience in handling the respective area of discrimination and carried an assessment of local circumstances through meetings with various non-government organisations (NGOs) and interested parties.
"We have met with over 30 groups, including women's groups, homosexual groups, employer and employee organisations, religious groups, social service groups, educational bodies, financial institutions and academics.
"In respect of the study on sexual orientation, an opinion survey has been conducted to gauge public attitude towards different forms of sexual orientation," he said.
Turning to the findings of the study on discrimination based on an individual's family status, Mr Suen said discussions with various concerned groups indicated that persons, more often women, who were taking care of young children and those of single parent families were the two categories most likely to be discriminated against.
"Such discrimination is found to occur predominantly in the areas of employment and in the provision of accommodation," he said.
At present, a variety of welfare and support services, retraining schemes and legislative initiative, such as the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Parent and Child Ordinance, were available to offer relief and assistance to persons concerned, Mr Suen noted.
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