Equality watchdog calls for better protection of Hong Kong minorities
The Equal Opportunities Commission chairman has called for greater protection of sexual minorities in in Hong Kong, as well as a discussion on same-sex marriage laws.
Professor Alfred Chan Cheung-ming said that sexual minorities in the country faced insufficient protection.
The chairman’s comments came after the High Court ruled that gay people working as civil servants in the country should be rewarded the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts.
The professor said: “The court ruling told us clearly that [same-sex] marriage in Hong Kong is just a start. We agree with it and that a discussion on [same-sex] marriage is unavoidable,” before stressing that the rights of sexual minorities should be handled with serious urgency.
“More discussions on the city’s marriage system are needed. There is support and opposition from difference concern groups. The discussions should continue,” he added.
The lawsuit was launched by Leung Chun-kwong, a high ranking immigration officer. Chun-kwong had married his partner in New Zealand three years ago and called for his marriage to be recognised by the civil service and inland revenue offices.
The final judgement ruled in favour of Chun-kwong’s case against the Civil Service Bureau and deemed its police an “indirect discrimination”. However, it did not rule against the Inland Revenue Department.
Groups of parents in Hong Kong have reportedly expressed concerns and worries over their sons liking Disney princesses.
The revelation came after charities in the city claimed that authorities in Hong Kong are still recommending so-called ‘gay cure’ therapy to vulnerable youths.
The Hong Kong government refused to ban the practice in 2010, despite campaigners presenting extensive evidence to the Legislative Council that the practice can do serious harm to individuals.
