Hong Kong legislature votes down a bill that would have granted limited legal rights to same-sex couples, sparking criticism from LGBTQ advocates Image credit: The Guardian]
(The Post News) – Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing dominated Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday shut down a government-backed bill that would have granted limited legal rights to same-sex couples, dealing a significant blow to LGBTQ rights and also calling in question the government’s sincerity towards a court-imposed deadline.
The Registration of Same-Sex Partnerships Bill was proposed to grant individuals in legally recognized overseas same-sex relationships a vehicle for gaining particular rights in Hong Kong. These were such as hospital visiting rights, rights to medical information, participation in treatment decisions with consent, and the right to receive a deceased partner’s remains.
But lawmakers, after intense argument, defeated the bill in a rare departure from the administration. Seventy-one legislators voted against it, 14 voted for it, and one abstained.
Advocacy Groups Condemn Rejection
Campaign group Hong Kong Marriage Equality was dismayed, describing the move as “a disappointing day for Hong Kong.”
“It sends a concerning message to both local and international communities, that court decisions can be flouted and the dignity of people disregarded,” the group added.
Human rights organizations also condemned the rejection. Amnesty International characterized the outcome as “an appalling disregard for LGBTQ rights” and urged officials to come up with a stronger and more inclusive bill at the earliest opportunity.
The bill was laid after a September 2023 ruling by Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal. The court did not legalize gay marriage but decided that the government constitutionally had to develop a legal framework for recognizing same-sex relationships. The courts compelled officials to do so before October 27, 2025, and threatened that its absence stifled and degraded the private lives of the couples.
Chief Executive John Lee had been a key supporter of the bill, warning lawmakers that shelving it would undermine the rule of law and expose Hong Kong to “serious consequences.” Despite his appeal, pro-Beijing lawmakers and religious groups vehemently opposed it on grounds that it eroded family values and opened up a loophole for complete marriage equality.
LGBTQ Community Left Frustrated
For gay activists in Hong Kong, the ruling was a sour disappointment. Jimmy Sham, a veteran activist who filed the first legal challenge when his New York marriage to his partner was not granted recognition in the city, denounced the denial as “deeply regrettable.”
“The government simply can’t turn a blind eye to this unconstitutional reality,” Sham stated. “Our people are worthy of dignity, equality, and respect of the law.”
While LGBTQ groups had otherwise criticized the bill as being not broad enough, they did support it as a positive step. Its failure now raises doubts over whether Hong Kong can meet the deadline established by the city’s highest court.
During a seven-day period of public consultation, the government received more than 10,800 written submissions. Government sources indicated that 80% of respondents objected to the bill. Nevertheless, lobby groups observed that several of the submissions appeared to be template replies organized by religious and conservative groups.
Surveys present a radically different picture of opinion. A 2023 three-way study conducted by Hong Kong universities discovered that 60% of residents approved of same-sex marriage, a steep increase from 38% in 2013. In the same year, Hong Kong welcomed the Gay Games, the first city in Asia to do so, an indication, activists believe, of wider social acceptance.
Rare Political Rebellion
The defeat was also a rare example of defiance by Hong Kong’s legislature, which has otherwise walked in lockstep with the administration since Beijing gained more political control after imposing in 2020 the extensive national security law.
Following electoral changes in 2021, only “patriots” vetted by Beijing are permitted to take their place in the legislature. It is thus all the more surprising that the government proposal was voted down.
Political analysts note that the rejection makes it more difficult for Hong Kong to balance its international reputation as an open finance center with Beijing’s emphasis on conventional social policies.
With the deadline from the court looming near, the Hong Kong government is now confronted with the daunting challenge of rewriting a new framework that is both in compliance with judicial mandates and acceptable to a recalcitrant legislature. A failure to produce a workable alternative by October 2025 may activate a constitutional crisis.
Despite Wednesday’s defeat, campaigners vowed to continue striving for equality. “Defeat of this bill should not be the end,” Amnesty International said. “Rather, it should be a spur for the authorities to devise a better bill.”
Same-sex couples in Hong Kong are still legal-less for now, highlighting increasing disconnect between public opinion and government policy.
About the Author
