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The manual will apply to newly constructed private buildings and those undergoing substantial alteration. Government departments will also follow it in the design and construction of government and public buildings.
Meanwhile, a separate commencement notice which brings the District Court Equal Opportunities Rules into immediate operation is also gazetted today.
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District Court Equal Opportunities Rules in operation
The District Court Equal Opportunities Rules, which set out procedures to be adopted in the District Court for hearing cases lodged under the Sex Discrimination and Disability Discrimination ordinances have been brought into operation today (Friday).
Rule 3 provides for the keeping of an Equal Opportunities Register in which cases lodged under the two ordinances are filed.
To ensure that cases filed are heard without delay, they will be placed in a new list - the Equal Opportunities List - instead of joining the queue with other civil cases. The List will be handled by Judge H C Wong and she will hear cases arising from the two ordinances.
To ensure a readily accessible channel of redress in sex and disability discrimination cases. Rule 6 provides that certain categories of persons acting for a party under the two ordinances may appear to conduct or defend proceedings and address the court. Such persons who need no legal qualifications include members or employees of the Equal Opportunities Commission, office-bearers of a registered trade union and carers or relatives of any party.
The general procedures for bringing proceedings under the two ordinances will follow those of the District Court, except as otherwise provided in the Rules.
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