20 years on, and the fight against prejudice and bias continues in Hong Kong
Alfred C.M. Chan urges the government to address reforms to anti-discrimination laws, as suggested by the Equal Opportunities Commission, because equality also makes good business sense
Prejudice, bigotry and often traditions are the biggest enemies of equality ... mindsets have to be reformed
In the 20 years to August this year, the EOC had handled more than 13,300 complaints and innumerable inquiries, and secured over HK$100 million in compensation for the complainants, as well as other forms of redress through conciliation and legal action.
While these figures represent the commission’s achievements through the years, a more important part of the work – perhaps less quantifiable and tangible – is to encourage social change. This is because prejudice, bigotry and often traditions are the biggest enemies of equality. For discrimination to be defeated, mindsets have to be reformed, and it is best done through education – one of our key areas of work.
It’s time to build on Hong Kong’s achievements in anti-discrimination laws
Despite the sometimes controversial nature of its work, the commission has gained increasing recognition from society at large. Two decades ago, few were aware of its existence. Today, many understand the values it stands for and defends.
Pro-family and anti-gay groups don’t believe Hong Kong public supports law to protect LGBT people
The latest Equal Opportunities Awareness Survey, results of which were released in July, showed 98 per cent of respondents were able, upon prompting, to identify the EOC as the organisation tasked with promoting equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination in Hong Kong. This can be compared to 95 per cent in 2007 and 87 per cent in 1998.