Hong Kong’s bill on same-sex unions faced strong opposition, with 71 legislators vetoing it, marking the first defeat in the pro-Beijing dominated legislature
Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Wednesday voted down a government bill that would have given limited legal rights to same-sex couples who had registered marriages or partnerships overseas.
The proposal followed a 2023 Court of Final Appeal ruling requiring the government to create a legal framework for meeting basic needs of same-sex couples within two years. While the court did not legalize same-sex marriage, it ordered measures to allow rights such as hospital visitation.
The bill represented a rare chance for progress in Hong Kong’s restrictive legal climate, but it faced strong resistance from pro-Beijing lawmakers and religious groups, who argued that same-sex unions undermine traditional family values. In the vote, 71 legislators opposed while only 14 supported, marking the first veto in the current pro-Beijing dominated legislature.
Advocacy group Hong Kong Marriage Equality called the outcome “a disappointing day” and warned it undermined respect for court decisions and human dignity. Activist Jimmy Sham, who launched the original legal case, said the vote ignored growing public support for equal marriage rights. “This is not the end game,” he said, urging continued hope.
Amnesty International and 30 regional rights groups had appealed for full compliance with the court ruling, demanding a framework to recognize same-sex partnerships. It remains unclear how the government will meet its constitutional obligation before the October 27 deadline.
City leader John Lee earlier reaffirmed that marriage in Hong Kong remains defined as “between one man and one woman.” Still, some lawmakers, including Eunice Yung, supported the bill, calling it a “pragmatic” way to balance law and compassion.
