Hong Kong Christian leader sees no need for public consultation on anti-discrimination law over fear it could ‘intensify’ conflicts
Eric So Shing-yit claims authorities should promote moral values rather than discuss legal protections for sexual minorities
A heavyweight among Hong Kong’s Christian churches has warned the government against launching a public consultation on an anti-discrimination law to protect sexual minorities, arguing that the move could backfire and “intensify confrontation” in the city.
Reverend Eric So Shing-yit, chairman of the Christian Council, also stated that instead of gauging public opinion on legislation, it was more important for authorities to promote moral values such as respect and care.
So spoke exclusively to the Post in his first interview since taking the council’s helm in October last year.
READ MORE: Top Hong Kong Christian leader urges tolerance and respect as city’s political divisions continue
The Christian Council is an umbrella group of 22 churches, denominations and societies such as the Anglican, Methodist and Lutheran churches. It has 10 seats on the 1,200-strong election committee that selects the city’s chief executive.
On Tuesday, the Equal Opportunities Commission called on the government to start discussing an anti-discrimination law to protect sexual minorities, as public opinion had for the first time turned in favour of such a law.
In a phone survey of 1,000 people, 56 per cent agreed with such legislation, while close to half of religious Hongkongers – traditionally the most opposed to such legislation – also indicated they supported a law to protect sexual minorities from discrimination.
But So said that, while he did not oppose the legislation, he wondered if it was necessary.