XN000022-1996-12-20 — Page 14

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Provisions providing for the establishment of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and enabling the EOC to issue codes of practice have already come into force; those relating to 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 have also commenced operation.

With the introduction of a Code of Practice on Employment by the EOC, the Government is now ready to bring the remaining outstanding provisions into effect.

A Government spokesman said: "It is now unlawful to discriminate against or harass a person in, among other things, the employment field on the ground of disability."

"Behaviours such as publishing discriminatory advertisements, engaging in serious vilification and aiding unlawful acts constitute criminal offences," he added.

Also taking effect today are the provisions relating to building approvals. A public authority shall not approve building plans unless the authority is satisfied that access as is reasonable in the circumstances to the buildings in question will be provided for persons with a disability. The public authority may refer to the "Design Manual: Access for the Disabled 1984" drawn up by the Government, the spokesman noted.

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Sex Discrimination Ordinance in full effect from today

The entire Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO) becomes effective today (Friday) with the commencement of the provisions prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment in the employment field.

A spokesman for the Home Affairs Branch said that following the Legislative Council's approval of the Code of Practice on Employment under the SDO on December 18, the Government has brought into effect these remaining provisions of the Ordinance. A commencement notice to this effect was gazetted today.

"With the SDO in full force now, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person in specified areas of activity including employment, education, provision of goods, facilities and services, disposal and management of premises, eligibility to vote for and to be elected or appointed to advisory bodies, activities of clubs, and activities of Government. Sexual harassment in these areas of activity is also unlawful under the Ordinance," he pointed out.