- Hong Kong’s legislature has voted down a government-backed bill that would have granted limited recognition to same-sex couples, defying a court order and sparking backlash from activists.
- The bill, which focused on medical and post-death rights for couples married abroad, was rejected by a wide margin—exposing deep political resistance despite growing public support.
In a rare break from legislative conformity, Hong Kong’s lawmakers have rejected a government proposal aimed at recognizing same-sex partnerships—marking the first major defeat of a government bill since Beijing’s political overhaul in 2021.
The bill, which would have allowed couples in overseas same-sex unions to register their relationships locally, was voted down 71 to 14. It offered limited rights, including medical decision-making and funeral arrangements, but stopped short of addressing adoption, welfare benefits, or full marriage equality.
The rejection comes despite a 2023 ruling from Hong Kong’s top court, which ordered the government to establish a legal framework for same-sex couples by October 27, 2025. That ruling was the result of a years-long legal battle led by activist Jimmy Sham, who argued that the absence of recognition left same-sex couples legally vulnerable and socially marginalized.
Supporters of the bill say its failure sends a troubling message—that even court mandates can be sidelined by political ideology. Advocacy group Hong Kong Marriage Equality called the vote a “troubling signal” and urged the government to reintroduce the bill after December’s legislative elections.
Critics of the bill, including Holden Chow of the pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance, argued that it risked undermining traditional family values and opening the door to broader reforms like same-sex adoption. Chow suggested that administrative fixes—not legal recognition—should be used to address issues like burial rights and hospital access.
But activists say that approach misses the point. “What we want is equal access to core rights,” said Sham, who has long pushed for legal parity. His case helped secure incremental wins in recent years, including spousal visas and housing benefits for couples married abroad.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting. A 2023 study showed that 60% of Hong Kong residents support same-sex marriage—a sharp rise from a decade ago. Yet political resistance remains entrenched, even as neighboring countries like Taiwan, Nepal, and Thailand move toward full marriage equality.
For social worker Nick Infinger, who successfully sued the government after being denied housing with his husband, the stakes are personal. “It’s something I didn’t have,” he said. “I hope future generations can have it.”
With the court’s deadline looming and the legislature unwilling to act, the government now faces a legal and moral crossroads. Constitutional Affairs Secretary Erick Tsang said officials would consult with the Department of Justice but would not seek an extension.
Whether the bill returns after elections—or is buried under political pressure—remains to be seen. For now, Hong Kong’s LGBTQ+ community is left waiting, once again, for recognition that many believe is long overdue.
