Think carefully before amending anti-discrimination laws
Few public consultations have drawn as much attention as the one on anti-discrimination laws. The four-month review by the Equal Opportunities Commission ended with a staggering 100,000 submissions.
Few public consultations have drawn as much attention as the one on anti-discrimination laws. The four-month review by the Equal Opportunities Commission ended with a staggering 100,000 submissions, putting it on a par with issues like universal suffrage and the national security law. The heated response underlines the sensitivity of the issues involved. It is imperative for the watchdog to carefully consider all the views before making recommendations on the way forward.
There have been suggestions that as many as 50,000 online views flooded in in one day, crashing the watchdog's system. The submissions were said to be similar, opposing the proposed extension of protection to unmarried couples, including homosexuals. It seemed that the respondents had been given samples with which they could tweak and file as their own submission. In terms of quality, they may not add much value to the consultation. But the quantity speaks volumes about people's concerns and emotions.
That gay rights continue to dominate the discussion is understandable. The issues involved are complex and contentious. The latest opposing voice came from school principals, who accused the commission of promoting cohabitation and destroying traditional family values. They said that moral education had been made difficult as a result. They were also worried that gay marriage would be legalised later.
The education and other sectors are entitled to their views. But misunderstanding and prejudice will only deepen inequality. The commission has repeatedly clarified that the proposal is based on the rationale that couples who have a long and committed relationship should not be denied the protection and benefits currently made available to married ones. But the message has not been well received.
Giving unmarried couples equal rights is just one of the many issues covered in the sweeping review. The commission should finalise its recommendations with care, taking into account the different views in society.