In a blow to LGBTQ rights, Hong Kong’s legislature has overwhelmingly rejected a bill that would have granted limited recognition to same-sex couples married overseas.
The bill was introduced to comply with a 2023 court ruling, which found that denying recognition to same-sex unions was unconstitutional. But despite backing from the city’s chief executive, 71 out of 89 lawmakers voted against it, citing so-called “traditional values” and fears it could open the door to full marriage equality.
LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, whose 2013 marriage to his husband in New York led to the original legal challenge, called the rejection “deeply regrettable” and warned that the lack of legal protection for queer couples remains an “open wound.”
Amnesty International also condemned the vote, saying it reflects “alarming disdain” for LGBTQ people.
Public opinion, however, is shifting. Recent polls show that 60% of Hongkongers now support same-sex marriage, up from just 38% a decade ago.