Hong Kong – Hong Kong lawmakers voted on Wednesday to decide on a bill that would have granted recognition of same-sex partnerships in Chinese cities, despite limited restrictions on rights, a major setback to the LGBTQ+ movement.
The registration of the same-sex partnership bill, unveiled in July, stemmed from one of the legal victories, prompting the government to provide more equal rights to homosexuals and lesbians. However, the bill met with fierce opposition from lawmakers, although it followed the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that said the government should provide a framework to acknowledge the relationship and give two years to resolve the solution.
Of the members who attended the meeting, 71 voted against the bill, and 14 approved the bill and abstained.
although The Chinese government’s The overhaul was effectively filled with territorial rules for Beijing loyalists. This is the first government bill to be voted on since the overhaul.
The bill proposes that residents who have established unions overseas register their partnerships locally and grant them the right to deal with medical and deaths of their loved ones. This includes the ability to access a partner’s medical information and participate in medical decision-making with consent and to require the remains of his deceased partner.
Some lawmakers recommend adopting personal policies or administrative measures to address challenges facing same-sex couples rather than passing such legislation. Others insist that voting will not constitute a constitutional crisis, but rather that the legislature is not a rubber stamp.
Photo: Hong Kong lawmakers refuse to recognize same-sex partnership bill
Holden Chow, the city’s largest pro-party MP, said the passage of the bill meant to open “Pandora’s box” and “suppose Hong Kong’s marriage system between a man and a woman.”
Another legislator, Junius Ho, said the bill would cause the entire society to become uneasy for a small group of people.
The MP Regina IP, who supports the bill, compared it to a “minimum spending” requirement because the rights offered are limited.
Outside the government headquarters near the Legislature, two women laid a banner supporting the traditional marriage system.
Many gay rights advocates in Hong Kong have been dissatisfied with the proposed bill because their proposed registration system is only eligible for those registered overseas trade unions, but they are still frustrated by their refusal.
Activist Jimmy Sham’s legal challenge wins the 2023 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex partnerships, told reporters after the vote that he hopes he wants it, he says he hopes he hopes it government Legislation for the LGBTQ+ community to fulfill its constitutional obligations will be passed in future legislation.
“I hope today marks the beginning of the day when we are not in and not the end,” he said, adding that he will look at how to follow up with the legal team.
Nick Infinger won a separate legal challenge to seek equal rights for same-sex couples, but was disappointed by the results, but said it was important to keep their lives in love.
He said, “Just don’t give up.”
Marriage Equality in Hong Kong, a non-governmental organization focusing on fair treatment of same-sex couples, said it refused to send a disturbing signal to local and international communities that “the dignity of individuals that may be overlooked and neglected.”
It earlier believed that the results of public opinion submissions- government Previously reported that 80% of the bill – does not accurately reflect public sentiment. It noted that about half of the public statements were submitted for bills that use standardized templates, indicating “strong mobilization of specific groups.”
Hong Kong Supreme Court ruled in 2023 government A framework for identifying same-sex partnerships should be established by October.
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Erick Tsang told reporters government Disappointed with Wednesday’s results, which would respect the decision of lawmakers, as they say the bill does not reflect current mainstream opinions in society.
According to a report by researchers at three universities, the survey shows that 60% of respondents support same-sex marriage in 2023, which is 38% in 2013.
Tan said the government will not ask the Supreme Court to request a two-year deadline to be extended, but his team will further discuss with the Justice Department how to move forward.
As multiple legal challenges win more equal rights for same-sex couples, from visa dependence to subsidized housing benefits, it has been accepted more and more. On Tuesday, a freshman court ruled that the parents of a lesbian couple admitted their sons, who were born through reciprocal in vitro fertilization.
Prior to vote, Amnesty International Hong Kong and 30 rights groups from Asia called for government A contingency plan is disclosed if the bill is not passed before the Supreme Court deadline and the amended proposal is introduced without delay.
