The Chief Executive in Council has agreed in principle to the need for legislation against racial discrimination. A related public consultation paper will be published.

Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho said today the proposed legislation will reaffirm the Government's commitment to human rights.

The bill aims to make discrimination on racial grounds unlawful and to make provisions against racial harassment. The form and content of the new law will be broadly similar to the existing anti-discrimination laws.

"It will enable us to meet our obligations under an international treaty - the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination," Dr Ho said.

The Government's policy is to encourage ethnic minorities to integrate into the wider society while retaining their cultural identity, he added.

"Our strategy comprises extending practical assistance to ethnic minorities to facilitate the settlement and integration process, and addressing discriminatory attitudes and actions that may impede the process," he said.

Business sector opens to anti-discrimination laws

In 1997, more than 80% of respondents to a consultation opposed legislation.

The Government revisited the question in 2001-02 and consulted the business community as well as non-governmental organisations and other interested groups.

"The results of our latest consultation indicate that the business sector is more open to legislation than previously.

"The organisations that remain opposed expressed their opposition in milder terms than they did in 1997," Dr Ho said.

New laws will be similar to existing ones

The Government proposes that the form and content of the new law be broadly similar to the existing anti-discrimination laws that apply to the Government and public bodies.

"We will consult interested parties in the course of the drafting process, particularly with a view to addressing any residual concerns that the community may reasonably continue to harbour," he said.

The Government plans to introduce a bill into the Legislative Council in the 2004-05 session.

Welcoming the Government's move, Equal Opportunities Commission Chairperson Anna Wu said the decision represents the culmination of many years of intense lobbying from different parties.

"Equitable treatment for everyone will reap not only individual benefits, but both social and economic as well," Ms Wu said.