Hong Kong lawmakers on Wednesday rejected a motion that would have expanded rights for same-sex couples, dealing a setback to the city’s LGBTQ+ community and sparking concerns about eroding freedoms. The vote signals a pause in momentum for marriage equality advocates and underscores the ongoing tension between Hong Kong’s stated commitment to international standards and its conservative social policies.
the failed motion would not have instantly legalized same-sex marriage, but it would have initiated a study into amending laws to grant same-sex couples the same legal protections and benefits afforded to heterosexual married couples – including inheritance, housing rights, and parental recognition.While Hong Kong decriminalized homosexuality in 1991, it lacks comprehensive anti-discrimination laws based on sexual orientation and does not recognise same-sex partnerships.
Pro-Beijing lawmaker holden Chow warned against the move, stating, “Our family tradition and moral values will collapse. This will spark further conflicts in Hong Kong,” and cautioned against “opening a pandora’s box.”
A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government acknowledged the lawmakers’ decision and the issue’s “highly controversial” nature,adding that the government will further study and discuss the matter with the Department of Justice before determining next steps.
Activist Alex Wong, who has been involved in previous legal challenges seeking equal rights, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue fighting. “It calls itself an international financial center or an international city. It always talks about how advanced Hong Kong is, but it is not like that at all,” he said. He anticipates continued legal battles to secure rights “one right at a time,” but cautioned, “You’ll onyl find out (what legal protection) you need when things go wrong.”
