XN000022-1996-06-26 — Page 9

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Some educational and religious bodies were concerned about the possible impact of such legislation on young people while others considered laws to protect the rights of the homosexuals a form of 'reverse discrimination' against the rights of the majority who chose not to accept non-heterosexuality.

"Nevertheless, there is general support for non-legislative measures to address the problems concerned. Respondents to the consultative document came out strongly in favour of public education programmes to promote equal opportunities for all, irrespective of a person's sexual orientation," Mr Suen said.

He said the Government would pursue the following programme of measures to eliminate misconception, enhance public understanding of issues relating to sexual orientation and improve support services:

strengthening civic education to instil in the community proper respect for the rights of others, irrespective of one's sexual orientation;

covering the topic of sexual orientation in health or sex education at school to enhance students' understanding of the issue;

improving the quality of services for homosexuals by incorporating the subject of sexual orientation in the training of service providers such as social workers and clinical psychologists;

identifying possible financial resources to facilitate homosexual groups to enhance self-support services for sexual minorities.

Reiterating the Government's strong commitment to the principle of equal opportunities for all, Mr Suen said the proposed measures were aimed at removing potential injustice or unfair restriction of an individual's rights for equal opportunities in different aspects of life on account of his or her family status and sexual orientation.

Noting that legislator Mr Lau Chin-shek intended to introduce the Equal Opportunities (Family Responsibility, Sexuality and Age) Bill into the Legislative Council, Mr Suen wished the views of the community would be fully reflected and thoroughly considered at the Bill's Committee stage.

"The Administration will endeavour to persuade Legislative Councillors to accept its proposals to tackle discrimination in the areas of family status and sexual orientation.