Since its launch 18 months ago, the Equal Opportunities Commission has grabbed the headlines on several occasions. What it has not done, however, is the job it was set up for.
The winner of a locally sponsored 'Best Bystander Oscar' for inaction, the commission has failed so spectacularly that it is now accused of discriminating against the discriminated-against. This is quite a feat, but given the ineptitude with which it operates, not entirely unexpected.
The Women's Coalition for Equal Opportunities has accused the body, among other faults, of having a misleading idea of its purpose. The coalition cites the case of the official who said sexual harassment also affected men since women discussing childbirth or menstruation could embarrass male colleagues.
This would be funny if it did not come from a body funded with $66 million of public money and intended to tackle issues involving career opportunities, pay and matters which hamper the lives and aspirations of women and the disabled.
The list of commission gaffes reads like a script from French farce. The most famous was when it upheld a Lippo Securities decision to ban women workers from wearing trousers on the grounds that men were prevented from wearing dresses.
More serious was the watchdog's refusal to take action against the Gold Coast Hotel in Tuen Mun for not serving 30 mentally handicapped students. Its reason? A complaint could only be filed by the victims. Apparently the commission thinks people powerless to speak for themselves can be discriminated against with impunity.