Lawmakers in Hong Kong have rejected a controversial bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples, in a blow to the city's gay rights movement. The law, which would have recognised some rights for couples who were married overseas, was opposed by 71 of the city's 89-member Legislative Council (LegCo).
It was proposed by the government to comply with a 2023 court ruling, following the rejection of an attempt to legalise same-sex marriage. While the city has in recent years been perceived as becoming gay-friendly, it has limited rights for the estimated 6% of the adult population who identify as LGBTQ. Recent polls suggest there is rising support towards the community.
Human rights group Amnesty International criticised the rejection of the bill, saying that it showed an alarming disdain for LGBTQ rights, urging Hong Kong authorities to introduce a new and revised bill. Hong Kong LGBTQ rights activist Jimmy Sham expressed deep regret over the outcome, emphasizing that the government's failure to protect same-sex couples' rights would remain a significant issue.
The proposal aimed to establish a registration system for same-sex couples who were married or had civil unions overseas, providing them with certain rights including the capability for hospital visits and making medical decisions for their spouses. Despite support from Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee, the proposal faced criticism for being inadequate and for undermining traditional family values.
The rejection of the bill underscores a rare distance between the Legislative Council and the Hong Kong government and leaves the government with little time to meet its legal obligations as mandated by the court. Polls indicate a growing public endorsement for same-sex marriage, highlighting a shift in societal attitudes even as the legislative framework lags behind.
It was proposed by the government to comply with a 2023 court ruling, following the rejection of an attempt to legalise same-sex marriage. While the city has in recent years been perceived as becoming gay-friendly, it has limited rights for the estimated 6% of the adult population who identify as LGBTQ. Recent polls suggest there is rising support towards the community.
Human rights group Amnesty International criticised the rejection of the bill, saying that it showed an alarming disdain for LGBTQ rights, urging Hong Kong authorities to introduce a new and revised bill. Hong Kong LGBTQ rights activist Jimmy Sham expressed deep regret over the outcome, emphasizing that the government's failure to protect same-sex couples' rights would remain a significant issue.
The proposal aimed to establish a registration system for same-sex couples who were married or had civil unions overseas, providing them with certain rights including the capability for hospital visits and making medical decisions for their spouses. Despite support from Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee, the proposal faced criticism for being inadequate and for undermining traditional family values.
The rejection of the bill underscores a rare distance between the Legislative Council and the Hong Kong government and leaves the government with little time to meet its legal obligations as mandated by the court. Polls indicate a growing public endorsement for same-sex marriage, highlighting a shift in societal attitudes even as the legislative framework lags behind.
