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Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
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Banishing the bigots

ERADICATING bigotry is a slow and painful process. Just how long it will take in the case of the mentally handicapped and ill is clear from findings of a government-commissioned study which we publish today. These show that, despite massive efforts to educate the public over the past few years, public sentiment against these unfortunate people remains almost as strong as ever.

The prejudice so graphically displayed during attacks on a hostel for the mentally handicapped on Tung Tau Estate two years ago is still evident in the study finding that almost half of those surveyed object to having facilities for the mentally ill built near their homes.

The only positive sign is that many more than previously claimed to recognise the need for the disabled to be integrated into the local community. An overwhelming majority also voiced support for the Disability Discrimination Ordinance passed last summer. But such theoretical support counts for little in reality when most people still shun living next to the mentally ill.

To totally overcome such prejudice may take generations. Only when children can be brought up in a tolerant atmosphere, and educated on the need to take special care of those less fortunate than themselves, will bigotry be consigned to the past.

The Government should not be discouraged by the lack of significant progress recorded in this latest study. Money should continue to be spent on education. But education alone will not be enough. A tougher approach is also needed to punish those who incite others to vilify the disabled. Last summer's legislation is a useful step in this direction. When brought into force, it will introduce the deterrent of up to two years in jail for cases of extreme harassment.

However, it remains unclear how soon this will happen. The ordinance sets no starting date and the Government is still in the early stages of establishing the Equal Opportunities Commission needed to police its provisions. But the message from this study is that the process should be speeded up. Hong Kong needs statutory safeguards against bigotry in place as soon as possible.

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