Local and overseas experts discussed the protection of equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in Hong Kong and the European Union on 29 August for Hong Kong's first ever 'Working Together for an Inclusive Society: LGBTI Rights in Comparative Perspective' International Symposium co-organized by the Gender Research Centre (GRC) of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia Pacific Studies, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), and the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao.
'In recent years, many countries have worked to improve or protect the rights of LGBTI people in view of the recognition that regardless of an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, all citizens should be able to enjoy their human rights,' said Prof. Susanne Choi, co-director of the GRC. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. York Chow, chairperson of the EOC, said, 'As a global city, Hong Kong has an obligation to protect the equal rights of all vulnerable sectors and eliminate discrimination against them in different aspects of public life.' Mr. Vincent Piket, head of the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao, reiterated that the EU is committed to the principle of the universality of human rights: 'Any cultural, traditional or religious values should not be invoked to justify any form of discrimination, including discrimination against LGBTI persons.'
The conference also featured the exchange of practical experience of the EU and Hong Kong on introducing legislation to protect LGBTI rights, and its potential impact on business, education, religious organizations and the wider society. Reputed academic and legal professionals from Europe and the US have specially made the journey to participate as speakers in the conference, including Rev. Duncan Dormor, President and Dean, St John's College of the University of Cambridge; Prof. Holning Lau, Professor of Law, University of North Carolina School of Law; and Prof. Aileen McColgan, Professor of Human Rights Law, the Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London.
