A unit to promote equal opportunities for people of different sexual orientation will be set up on a two-year pilot basis, acting Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Stephen Fisher says.

A survey on public attitudes towards the issues entailed will also be conducted in the current financial year.

Speaking in the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights hearing in Geneva, Mr Fisher said the Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation Unit will serve as secretariat to the Sexual Minorities Forum set up in September last year. It will maintain a hotline for enquiries and complaints. Recruitment of the unit's staff is underway and the unit will be in place in the next few months.

Bill to be submitted to LegCo this year

"These are early steps but we believe they are in the right direction and that they will do much to bring forward the time when we will feel able to introduce legislation to prohibit discrimination against the sexual minorities," he added.

On racial discrimination, Mr Fisher said law is being drafted and a bill will be submitted to the Legislative Council later this year.

He noted the timing is a few months slower than the Government originally envisaged, as the consultation on the issue was extended in response to public demand and the need to take account of the many useful and insightful responses received.

Mr Fisher stressed the Government will spare no effort in promoting non-discrimination and fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.