Hong Kong legislative council rejects bill granting rights to same-sex couples

Lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have provided limited recognition to same-sex couples legally married overseas. The proposal, aimed at aligning with a 2023 court ruling, failed to garner the necessary support in the Legislative Council (LegCo).

The bill sought to establish a registration system for same-sex couples married or in civil unions abroad, granting them certain rights such as hospital visitation and medical decision-making privileges. Chief Executive John Lee had championed the bill, cautioning that its rejection would undermine the rule of law.

The BBC reports that the bill faced opposition from both LGBTQ+ advocates, who deemed it inadequate, and conservative lawmakers, who argued it contravened traditional family values. During the debate, lawmaker Maggie Chan was seen with a sign expressing her firm opposition to the bill.

Rights groups have voiced concern over the decision. Amnesty International condemned the rejection as demonstrating a "disdain" for LGBTQ+ rights and called for a revised bill. Activist Jimmy Sham expressed his disappointment, stating the government's failure to protect same-sex couples' rights would "remain an open wound."

The bill originated from a legal challenge initiated by Sham, who sought recognition of his marriage performed in New York in 2013. While the court rejected the legalization of same-sex marriage, it mandated the government to create an alternative framework for recognizing same-sex unions.

The rejection creates a challenge for the government, which faces an October 27 deadline to comply with the court ruling. It also highlights a divergence between the legislature and the government, which have generally been aligned since Beijing tightened its control over the city.

Despite the setback, polls indicate growing public support for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong, with a 2023 survey revealing 60% in favor, compared to 38% a decade prior. The city hosted the Gay Games in 2023, marking the first time the event was held in Asia.