Hong Kong government proposes system to recognise same-sex partnerships

The Hong Kong government has proposed a system to recognise same-sex partnerships in accordance with a landmark court ruling two years ago and grant them some rights, but couples will first need to have their relationship registered outside the city.

LGBTQ activists and a legal expert said on Wednesday the new framework did not go far enough, pointing to a lack of clarity on what rights would be granted and the requirement that relationships first be recognised overseas.

In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the Mainland and Constitutional Affairs Bureau said it was proposing to implement the new registration mechanism through legislation that would allow same-sex couples to apply to have their relationship recognised in the city.

The mechanism would also grant same-sex couples some rights, such as those related to medical and after-death matters, but the paper expressly stated the framework would not be equivalent to marriage.

Both individuals would have to be of the same sex, adults and at least one must be a Hong Kong resident. They cannot be blood-related.

Additionally, the couple must have a valid same-sex marriage, partnership or civil union registered in a jurisdiction outside Hong Kong, while neither can be married to someone else at the time