Summary
Lawmakers in Hong Kong voted against a bill that would have allowed same-sex couples with overseas unions to register their partnerships locally. The bill aimed to provide rights related to medical and funeral matters, but it faced strong opposition despite a court ruling urging the government to recognize such relationships.
Key Facts
- Hong Kong's Legislative Council voted down a bill for same-sex partnership rights.
- The bill proposed allowing couples with legal unions overseas to register locally.
- It intended to provide rights like accessing partners’ medical information and funeral arrangements.
- 71 lawmakers voted against it, 14 approved, and one abstained from voting.
- A court had earlier ruled that the government should create a framework for recognizing same-sex relationships.
- Pro-Beijing lawmakers largely opposed the bill, despite the proposal's limitations.
- Same-sex marriage remains illegal in China, and social stigma is common.
- 80% of public submissions were against the bill, although a 2023 survey showed 60% support for same-sex marriage.
