TNAG-1210-FCO40-1513-Hong-Kong-laws-on-homosexuality-employment-of-homosexuals-wi-1982 — Page 9

CONFIDENTIAL #

Ref: DP 66/24-C

Government Secretariat Hong Kong.

5th January 1982

SECRETARIAT CONFIDENTIAL CIRCULAR NO. 106/82

Employment of Homosexuals in the Civil Service

Now that the report of the Commission of Inquiry

into the death of Inspector MacLennan has been published, it is thought that Heads of Department will wish to have some guidance as a reminder on the employment of homosexuals in the civil service, and specifically on the exercise of their delegated powers of appointment and termination of service. This circular therefore defines the existing policy and procedures which Heads of Department may find helpful.

2.

A "known homosexual" is someone (of either sex) who has been convicted of a homosexual offence or who has formally acknowledged being a practising homosexual.

3.

No known homosexual should be appointed to the Hong

Where a Kong civil service, irrespective of rank or grade. candidate for appointment is a suspected homosexual, the case should be referred to the Secretary for the Civil Service.

4.

Where a serving officer has been convicted of a homosexual offence, consideration should be given by his Head of Department to terminating his service in accordance with established civil service practice.

5.

Where it comes to the notice of a Head of Department that a serving officer is a known or suspected homosexual, the case should be referred automatically to the Secretary for the Civil Service for advice.

6.

Dealing with cases involving known or suspected homosexuals is never easy and Heads of Department are invited to seek advice from the staff of Civil Service Branch.

7.

Any queries on this circular should be addressed to the Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service (Staff Management) (tel.no. 5-95531).

To: Branch Secretaries and

Heads of Department

MARTIN ROWLANDS

Secretary for the Civil Service