On September 11, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council voted down a bill that would have recognised same-sex partnerships, with 71 votes against and only 18 in favour.
The proposal would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples who had married or registered partnerships overseas, such as medical decision-making and funeral arrangements, but did not cover adoption or welfare benefits.
Pro-Beijing lawmaker Holden Chow criticised the bill, claiming it would have “serious consequences for traditional family values.” Advocacy group Marriage Equality Coalition called the result worrying and urged the government to resubmit the bill after the December elections.
A 2023 survey found that 60% of Hong Kong residents support same-sex marriage, a sharp increase compared to a decade ago. Scholars argue that recognising same-sex partnerships would help safeguard Hong Kong’s international image and attract global talent. Supporters stressed that although the bill fell short of full marriage equality already implemented in Taiwan, Nepal, and Thailand, it still represented an important step toward equality.
Hong Kong courts have previously ruled in favour of certain rights for same-sex couples in areas such as spousal visas, taxation, and public housing. In 2018, activist Jimmy Sham filed a lawsuit that led the court to order the government to create an alternative recognition framework. Sham said he was disappointed by the vote but remained hopeful for future progress.
The government said it would consult with the Department of Justice on next steps but would not seek to extend the deadline set by the court. Equality groups warned that failure to legislate could suggest that court rulings may be disregarded, undermining judicial authority and individual dignity.