Press Release

CSD responds to EOC report "Security Services in the work with Trans People that would lead to Sexual Harassment"

     The Transgender Resource Center (the research body) today (March 30) released the research report "Security Services in the work with Trans People that would lead to Sexual Harassment", funded by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), in which a staff member of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) was said to have made sexual advances to a transgender person in exchange of substances or treatment. However, the research body has never approached CSD to obtain evidence for verifying this serious accusation during the course of research. CSD is very concerned about the accusation.

     According to available records, CSD has never received any complaint of this nature. In view of the seriousness of the accusation, CSD immediately requested the EOC to provide more information in order to allow the department to take follow-up action or make referral to other law enforcement agencies if necessary. The EOC however replied that as the accusation occurred more than a decade ago, the subject concerned did not wish to provide further information. CSD considered that the research body should clarify the unproven and serious accusation with the department during the course of research, otherwise it would cause unfair and adverse impact to CSD as well as its staff. CSD has suggested the EOC to insert a special remark in the research report indicating that CSD has asked the respective parties to provide the department with further information for follow-up but the subject concerned did not wish to provide further information rendering the investigation unable to proceed. Yet, the suggestion was not accepted by the parties concerned.

     CSD attaches great importance to the conduct, integrity and ethic of its staff and deals with any illegal act seriously. Given the serious nature of the accusation, CSD has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. The department reiterates that it does not agree with the EOC and the research body's delineation of the accusation which is yet to be proved.

Ends/Monday, March 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:14