| SCMA encourages employers to adopt Code of Practice against Discrimination in Employment on the Ground of Sexual Orientation |
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The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, today (April 3) visited a small and medium enterprise (SME) which has recently adopted the Code of Practice against Discrimination in Employment on the Ground of Sexual Orientation to learn about enterprises' measures and experiences in eliminating discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation in regard to employment. The Code, issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, covers good practices in different aspects of employment such as recruitment, promotion, transfer, training, dismissal and grievance handling. The Code is aimed at assisting employers and employees in eliminating discriminatory practices and behaviour in employment and promoting equal employment opportunities among all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation. "It is very encouraging to see that the catering enterprise I visited today has responded to our appeal and pledged to adopt the Code. Some may think that only large multinational corporations and financial institutions would adopt the Code. However, statistics show that more and more local traditional industries and SMEs are also very willing to play a part in eliminating discrimination," Mr Nip said. "As of now, some 300 public or private organisations employing a total of more than 520 000 employees have adopted the Code. Among them, about 70 are SMEs employing fewer than 200 employees. I hope that more employers will follow suit and join hands in promoting equal opportunities with a view to building a more diverse and inclusive society. "The Government has been committed to fostering the culture and values of inclusiveness and mutual respect and has employed a wide variety of measures in promoting equal opportunities for people of different sexual orientation and gender identity. On the publicity front, we have been making use of various channels to broadcast promotional videos to promote the message of 'eliminate discrimination, embrace inclusion'. Starting from January this year, we have co-operated with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and provided funding to it to operate a 24-hour hotline which provides easily accessible support, counselling and follow-up services for sexual minorities and their families, as well as people perplexed by their sexual orientation and gender identity, with a view to relieving their stress and difficulties in everyday life. The hotline has rendered services to about 470 enquirers since its commencement," he said. "We are also developing sensitivity training resources for people working in specific fields such as social workers, healthcare professionals, human resources professionals and teachers, and drawing up a charter on non-discrimination in regard to sexual minorities," he added. Organisations wishing to know more about the Code or organise briefings and seminars on the Code for their staff or members can contact the Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Unit of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau by phone on 2810 3205, or email gisou@cmab.gov.hk. The full text of the Code can be viewed at www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/full_code_of_practice.htm. Ends/Tuesday, April 3, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:38 NNNN |