Concerns over gay rights in Hong Kong
2013-01-16 15:25
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Hong Kong - Hong Kong's gay community on Wednesday
blasted the government for refusing to carry out a public consultation on the
implementation of anti-discrimination laws to protect sexual minorities.
Rights groups hoped chief executive Leung Chun-ying would
use his maiden policy speech to launch a debate on the issue, with a view to
outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
In a survey of the city's gay community sponsored by
British bank Barclays last year, 85% of people said they had experienced
widespread discrimination and a "negative impact" at their workplace.
Although the Legislative Council in November voted down a
motion to launch a public consultation on the issue, many hoped Leung would use
his address to bring gay rights back into the spotlight.
"Society is deeply divided over this issue. Some are
in support from the perspective of equal opportunity. Others are concerned that
launching a consultation exercise may deal a blow to family, religion and
education," he said.
"We will continue to listen to different views from
various sectors. At present we have no plan to conduct consultation."
Following his speech three gay rights groups announced
they were forming a coalition to push for new laws.
Activist Yeo Wai-wai said: "We have seen more and
more complaints of discrimination. Hong Kong has the duty to protect the
fundamental rights of everyone."
At the weekend thousands of Christians demonstrated
outside government headquarters opposing the introduction of
anti-discrimination laws, claiming they would restrict freedom of speech.
Hong Kong's first openly gay lawmaker, Raymond Chan from
the radical pro-democracy People Power party, told AFP: "We were
disappointed he [Leung] did not say a single thing on how to improve rights for
the sexual minority group.
"But to look at it positively, I think this will
make more people be concerned about gay rights in Hong Kong. The rainbow
revolution will have to start now."
