Gay rights still on the agenda, says new Hong Kong equality chief Alfred Chan
But Equal Opportunities Commission chairman likely to be less vocal than predecessor in fighting for sexual minorities
The new head of Hong Kong’s discrimination watchdog .on Friday said he would continue discussions on gay rights – an issue championed by his predecessor – but stopped short of confirming whether he would push for legislation to protect sexual minorities.
Alfred Chan Cheung-ming, a prominent scholar in gerontology and chairman of the Elderly Commission, takes over as chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) from Dr York Chow Yat-ngok, who steps down at the end of the month.
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Chan’s term begins on April 11 and will last for three years.
The new chairman indicated on Friday he would adopt a non-confrontational approach, contrasting with his predecessor’s vocal and high-profile campaign in support of sexual minorities.
“I hope to bring the principles behind our four discrimination laws into the public sphere, so it becomes part of the culture,” Cheung said, referring to legislation to prevent discrimination based on disability, gender, family status and race.
Controversy has shadowed the appointment – not over the appointee, but the selection process itself. Critics say it undermines the commission’s independence from the government, which is crucial when its function is to check whether administrative policies follow discrimination laws and human rights principles.
“[The commission’s] independence is questionable ... There is little evidence that civil society has been involved in the forming of the body,” said human rights law professor Michael Davis from the University of Hong Kong.
