Article 39 of the Hong Kong Basic Law provides that the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights should remain in force and shall be implemented through the laws of the HKSAR. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Right had recommended the Hong Kong government to implement law to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in 1996, and reminded the government again in 2001.  Other recommendations from the UN Human Rights Committee had been taken up by the government, and laws that prohibited discrimination based on sex and race had already been implemented. The Hong Kong government could no longer avoid the issue there should be law to prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identities. A diverse society requires tolerance for people with different identities, cultures, language, family background and different life choices.

Last year, is one of the saddest years for those who fight for equality of LGBT/Tongzhi, as it is filled with homophobic discriminative acts!  The inclusiveness of same sex couples in the Domestic Violence Ordinance, at the forums and consultation on the reform of Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles, at the refusal of rental by the bus company to be used at Tongzhi Pride Day. The anti-LGBT groups had already started their attack on the sexual minorities and complaints targeted on organizations that provide services for sexual minorities become their targets too. The pressure created from the unreasonable accusation from this anti-LGBT groups had already lead to self-censorship, and added to the difficulties for continuous services. We have enough of these types of irrational incitement of hatred by the homophobic religious groups! 

Theme:
This year, we will ask the government to set up anti-discrimination law based on sexual orientation and gender identities. We will fight against homophobic monsters, stand against White Terror, and demand our equality in rights.

Location:
Main Entrance, Legislative Council, 8 Jackson Road, Central

Activities:
Rally in front of the Legislative Council and march up to the government headquarter (first time ever for LGBTs)
Meeting