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Opinion | Allowing religious head coverings for barristers a big step for diversity in Hong Kong

  • The move sets an important precedent for workplaces to fight dress code discrimination and model inclusive values and culture, and to effect change beyond simply complying with the law

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Legal practitioners feel the heat outside the Court of Final Appeal building in Central on May 29. Photo: Nora Tam
A small yet significant development took effect on September 1. “Hong Kong barristers given option of forgoing wigs for religious head coverings,” read a Post headline about the announcement.
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I would not be surprised if most readers missed the story as it was not front-page news. However, for those directly affected by the change and the many others working with people who face similar issues, it is momentous.

I would like to congratulate the chief justice and Bar Association for securing this exemption, which is a big step for cultural inclusion in a profession seen as highly traditional.

We hope the high-profile example set by the Bar Association will be suitably promoted and given visibility so it can have a trickle-down effect on other organisations and employers. It sets a precedent and is one that should be emulated.

Incidents of unfavourable treatment caused by a dress code, and specifically head coverings, are frequently brought to our notice. The Equal Opportunities Commission has intervened in a case where Pakistani Muslim students in an evangelical Christian secondary school were stopped from wearing headscarves and subjected to disciplinary action.
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A survey carried out by local NGO Treats a few months ago among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong cited examples of an employee being berated and banned from wearing a headscarf and others being turned down for job interviews despite being qualified. Respondents reported facing comments about their race, culture and clothing in the workplace.

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