8
Laws to fight sex and disability discrimination take effect
Over 65 sections in each of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO) have come into force today (Friday).
"With the gazettal of the commencement notices today, it is now unlawful to discriminate against a person in specified areas of activity on the grounds of gender, marital status or disability," a government spokesman said.
These areas include education; provision of goods, facilities, or services; disposal or management of premises; eligibility to vote for and to be elected or appointed to advisory bodies; and activities of clubs and of government.
It is also unlawful to discriminate against a pregnant woman, the associate of a person with a disability or sexually harass a person in these areas of activity.
Aggrieved persons may seek the assistance of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) which is an independent statutory body responsible for the implementation of the two ordinances.
Among its statutory functions and duties as provided for under SDO and DDO, EOC will handle complaint cases lodged under the ordinances, conduct investigations and facilitate the settlement of complaints through conciliation between the parties in dispute. It may also provide legal or other forms of assistance.
Remaining provisions of SDO and DDO, prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the employment field, will come into force when the relevant codes of practice on employment, issued by EOC, are approved by the Legislative Council.
Subject to public consultation which will start later this month, the employment codes of practice are expected to be introduced into the Legislative Council for approval later this year.
The provision of DDO which relates to granting building approvals will not come into operation until a publication -Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 1996 - being prepared by the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch is ready for adoption towards the end of the year.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.