XN000022-1996-01-24 — Page 11

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Should the community feel that more should be done to enhance equal opportunities for persons of different family status, a number of possible legislative and non-legislative measures were listed in the document.

On the legislative option, Mr Suen invited members of the public to air their views particularly on the definition of "family status", areas of activity or concern to be covered, and the enforcement mechanism of any such legislation.

As for non-legislative measures, the following have been suggested by the interested groups in the course of their discussions with HAB:

* Strengthening social services through improved provision of child care, care for the elderly and family services and through better co-ordination of these services to meet the needs of those with family responsibilities;

* Introducing employment-related incentives, such as flexible working hours, parental leave systems and child care support, by employers to assist employees in balancing the demands of work and family;

* Stepping up public education to promote a better understanding of different family status and to minimise negative attitudes towards persons of a particular family status.

Turning to sexual orientation, Mr Suen said divergent views had been expressed on the issue of discrimination in this area.

He said homosexual groups, in their discussions with the Branch, indicated that the major areas of discrimination were in employment and in the provision of accommodation and services.

"Related problems including self-stigmatisation, concealment of sexual orientation and public misconceptions about homosexuality are also set out in the document to enable a better understanding of the issues faced by homosexuals," he said.

Meanwhile, other groups have expressed reservations on accepting homosexuality as a normal form of sexual orientation.

They are concerned about the possible effects of the community's general acceptance of homosexuality on young people in particular.