‘Lawmaker’s remarks show need for discrimination law’

The chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Ricky Chu, said on Wednesday that remarks made by some lawmakers about the Gay Games prove that the city needs to legislate against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Pro-establishment lawmaker Junius Ho has said the government should not support the hosting of the event in the SAR because he thinks sexual minorities should not be encouraged and homosexuals could threaten the human race.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Chu called these remarks emotional and divisive.

“Technically, these remarks could involve discrimination – but Hong Kong doesn’t have laws against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. So I can’t say he breached any discrimination laws,” Chu said.

“This shows Hong Kong needs to legislate against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. We’ve been talking about it for more than 20 years. But we still have no laws that can clarify what actions amount to discrimination and what are the consequences.”

Chu said the Equal Opportunities Commission is writing a report on the legislation for public consultation.

He added the watchdog supports the Gay Games, which organisers plan to hold in Hong Kong in November 2022, as it promotes equality and inclusiveness.