At least four Hong Kong LGBTQ groups have launched a petition to drum up support for a bill that aims to grant certain rights to same-sex couples, with the legislation facing strong opposition from lawmakers.
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The joint action by Hong Kong Marriage Equality, Dear Family Hong Kong, Pink Alliance and Covenant of the Rainbow on Thursday came a day after the legislature convened its first meeting to scrutinise the government bill, in which only one lawmaker of the 15-strong committee openly endorsed the proposal.
The five-part bill aims to grant same-sex couples rights related to medical matters and after-death arrangements.
Couples who have a valid same-sex marriage, partnership or civil union registered in a jurisdiction outside Hong Kong can have their relationship recognised under the proposed registration mechanism.
The Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill is the government’s response to a 2023 ruling by the Court of Final Appeal, which gave authorities two years to draw up laws setting out “core rights” for same-sex couples, but did not outline what they might be.
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One of the groups that initiated the petition, Hong Kong Marriage Equality, called on lawmakers to support the bill.
“The bill represents an important step forward in acknowledging same-sex relationships in Hong Kong. In light of the Court of Final Appeal decision and the government’s constitutional obligations, we urge lawmakers to give the bill favourable consideration,” group co-founder Jerome Yau said.