In a blow to the city's LGBTQ rights movement, lawmakers in Hong Kong have rejected a controversial bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples. The proposed legislation aimed to recognize certain rights for couples married overseas, but was opposed by 71 of the 89 members of the Legislative Council (LegCo).
The government initially proposed the bill in response to a court ruling in 2023, which followed the rejection of an attempt to legalize same-sex marriage. Although Hong Kong has been perceived as gradually becoming more gay-friendly, limitations still exist for the approximately 6% of the adult population identifying as LGBTQ.
Human rights group Amnesty International condemned the bill's rejection, highlighting it as a sign of alarming disdain for LGBTQ rights. Activist Jimmy Sham, who initiated the legal challenge for recognition of same-sex marriage, described the outcome as deeply regrettable, voicing concerns over the government's failure to protect same-sex couples.
The bill's intent was to establish a registration system for same-sex couples married or in civil unions abroad, providing them rights such as hospital visitations and making medical decisions for their partners. Despite support from Chief Executive John Lee, who warned of potential violations to Hong Kong's rule of law should the bill fail, it faced backlash from both LGBTQ activists and conservative lawmakers.
The rejection of the bill also indicates a rift between the Legislative Council and the Hong Kong government, which has largely acted in unison in recent years, particularly under tightened control from Beijing. Polls suggest an increasing public backing for same-sex marriage; a 2023 survey found that 60% of respondents were in favor, a significant rise from 38% a decade ago.
With a looming deadline of October 27, the Hong Kong government must now devise a new strategy to comply with the court's ruling while addressing the rights of same-sex couples, a challenge that underscores the ongoing tension between advocacy for LGBTQ rights and local political realities.
