Act on the Promotion of Gender Equality - Purpose

1. The Act aims to promote the equality of women and men.

1. All state authorities and bodies shall observe the principle of gender equality between women and men in their activities.

1. To achieve the legal and actual equality of women and men, an office for the equality of women and men shall be established.

1. The office promotes gender equality between women and men in all areas of life at the cantonal and municipal levels and is committed to eliminating any form of direct or indirect discrimination.

2. It particularly advocates for equality

a. in the preparation of decrees and measures by the canton and municipalities,

b. in the awarding of contracts and the allocation of state contributions by the canton,

c. in the social, familial, public, and economic spheres.

1. The Office has the following specific tasks

a. It serves as a point of contact for issues of equality for authorities, organizations, companies, and private individuals, providing advice and making recommendations and proposals.

b. It promotes and ensures equality and equal opportunities between women and men by developing and implementing special support programs and measures.

c. It supports the personnel department in achieving equality within the cantonal administration.

d. It advises the government council, the departments, the offices, and the municipalities in awarding contracts.

e. It maintains a documentation center.

f. It supports the work of organizations active in the canton and collaborates at all levels with institutions committed to the equality of women and men.

g. It conducts public relations work.

h. It reports to the commission on its activities and regularly informs the public about its work and the state of actual equality between women and men in the Canton of Lucerne.

**1. The Office Holds the Following Competencies to Fulfill Its Duties:**

a. It shall be consulted on the composition of cantonal extra-parliamentary commissions and working groups dealing with gender equality-related issues.

b. It shall be involved in the consultation procedures on cantonal decrees and measures that affect or may affect the equality of women and men.

c. Within the framework of data protection provisions, it may request from cantonal authorities the information necessary to fulfill its duties.

d. It may grant financial assistance, within the limits of available credits under the existing financial regulations, to public or private institutions conducting projects aimed at achieving equality between women and men.

1. The office may charge fees for expert opinions and reports as well as for detailed advisory services.

2. The fee is determined according to the fee regulations for state administration.

1. The Executive Council shall appoint a commission consisting of 9 to 13 members and shall designate the President.

2. The commission shall be composed of representatives from organizations, groups, and institutions, as well as individuals, who are concerned with equality issues and represent as broad a political and societal spectrum as possible.

3. A representative of the office shall participate in the commission meetings in an advisory capacity and may submit motions.

1. The term of office for the commission members is four years.

2. Re-election is possible twice.

1. The Commission advises, supports, and assists the office in its activities.

2. It can independently address issues related to equality and engages in public relations work.

1. The government council issues the implementing provisions in an ordinance, particularly regarding the responsibilities of the office, and the election, composition, and organization of the commission.

1. The law shall enter into force on January 1, 1995. It is subject to the optional referendum.