Codes of practice
63. Codes of practice
(1) The Commission may issue codes of practice containing such practical guidance as it thinks fit for the purposes of—
- (a) the elimination of discrimination;
- (b) the promotion of equality of opportunity and harmony between persons of different racial groups; or
- (c) the elimination of harassment and vilification.
(2) When the Commission proposes to issue a code of practice, it shall prepare and publish (otherwise than in the Gazette) the code; it shall consider any representations made to it about the code and may modify the code accordingly.
(3) In the course of preparing any code of practice for eventual publication under subsection (2), the Commission shall consult such associations, organizations, associations of organizations or bodies as appear to the Commission to be appropriate including any associations, organizations, associations of organizations or bodies specified by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs by notice published in the Gazette.
(4) If the Commission determines to proceed with a code of practice published under subsection (2), it shall cause the code to be—
- (a) published in the Gazette; and
- (b) laid on the table of the Legislative Council at the next sitting after its publication in the Gazette.
(5) The Legislative Council may, by resolution passed at a sitting of the Legislative Council held not later than 28 days after the sitting at which a code of practice is laid on the table of that Council (“the relevant period”), provide that the code of practice shall be amended in any manner consistent with this section.
(6) If the relevant period would but for this section expire after the end of a session or a dissolution of the Legislative Council, but on or before the day of its second sitting in the next session, the period for amending the code is deemed to be extended and expire on the day after that second sitting.
(7) The Legislative Council may, before the expiration of the relevant period, by resolution extend the period for amending the code of practice to the first sitting of that Council held not earlier than the twenty-first day after the day of such expiration.
