THE Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Elizabeth Wong Chien Chi-lien, said yesterday that legislative measures against discrimination of the mentally handicapped would be adopted as a last resort.
Against a background of recent objections to certain rehabilitation projects, Mrs Wong stressed the Government would step up public education activities in the hope of bringing about a real change in attitudes.
Mrs Wong's assurance was offered in the light of recent opposition to the setting up of social welfare facilities for the mentally handicapped and discharged mental patients.
The incidents prompted Legislative Councillor Mr Simon Ip Sik-on to ask the Government whether it had considered enacting any form of anti-discrimination ordinance.
''We consider that this is a last resort which should not be adopted unless there are valid and compelling reasons,'' Mrs Wong said in her written reply.
''Prejudice tends to be a child of ignorance, it is doubtful that it can really be overcome by legislative means alone.'' Mrs Wong said her branch would review its public education strategy together with the Hongkong Council of Social Service.
She said the education department would also continue to cultivate positive attitudes in students in their formative years.