More members of the public agree with the need for legal protection for LGBTI persons, according to a latest study released last week.

The study commissioned by independent statutory body Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), and conducted by the Gender Research Centre of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, found out that 55.7% of telephone survey respondents support anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity (SOGI) and intersex status – almost a twofold increase from the findings in a 2005 government survey, where 28.7% supported such a measure.

In the study, it was also found that support from both the younger generation and those with religious views were particularly strong – with 91.8% of the respondents aged between 18 to 24 and nearly half of respondents with religious views concurring with this necessity.

‘Discriminatory treatment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status has no place in an international city and business centre such as Hong Kong. Such discrimination harms LGBTI individuals physically, emotionally, and financially,’ said EOC chairperson, York Chow.

Chow added: ‘They also hurt the city’s ability to attract and retain talent, as well as our longstanding reputation as an open and welcoming society.’

Currently, even though the Hong Kong Bill of Rights prohibits discrimination on a number of grounds, there is no comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation specifically relating to the definitions of SOGI or intersex status. To add on, the bill only applies to the public sector, and does not cover areas and services not controlled by the state.

The results of the study have been welcomed by both local and international human rights bodies.

‘The findings highlight discrimination experienced by sexual and gender minorities in all aspect of their lives, that sexual and gender minorities are discriminated against. This is an undeniable fact,” said Billy Leung, vice-chair of local LGBT non-profit organization Pink Alliance.

International bodies such as Amnesty International Hong Kong have also urged the Hong Kong government ‘to fulfill the international conventions, implementation of the Committee’s concluding observations’, while Out Leadership’s Founder and Principal Todds Sears feels that the ‘time for change has come’.

With these findings, the EOC hopes for the Hong Kong government to embark on a public consultation as soon as possible. Other recommendations in the report directed towards the government include encouraging dialogue and better understanding between different groups through public forums or workshops, widening public education to dispel myths and misconceptions about LGBTI people and expanding support measures targeted at LGBTI people to ensure equal participation in society.

‘We are indeed at the precipice of change,’ said Chow. ‘Given the evolution of public attitudes, we must accelerate the momentum, so Hong Kong can promote equality for LGBTI members of its community and strategically map its own path forward.’

The full EOC report can be downloaded here.