Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has rejected a government-backed bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples married overseas, with 71 of 89 lawmakers voting against it on Wednesday, September 10.
The bill was introduced to comply with a 2023 court ruling that ordered the government to create a legal framework recognizing same-sex unions.
It proposed a registration system offering rights such as hospital visitation and medical decision-making.
“This is deeply regrettable,” said LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, whose legal challenge led to the ruling.
He added that, “the government’s inability to protect same-sex couples’ rights will remain an open wound.”
Amnesty International condemned the vote, calling it an “alarming disdain” for LGBTQ rights and urging the government to revise and reintroduce the bill.
With an October 27 deadline looming, the government must now draft a new proposal to meet its legal obligations.
