On September 10, 2025, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council voted down a government proposal to recognize same-sex partnerships formed abroad, shelving modest legal protections for such couples.
The bill attracted 71 votes against and only 14 in favor, marking the first government bill veto since the legislature was restructured in 2021 to exclude democratic opposition.
The legislation would have allowed basic rights such as hospital visitation, participation in medical decisions, access to medical information, organ donation, and handling post-death arrangements for partners.
Eligibility depended on one partner being a Hong Kong resident and the union already registered overseas.
The proposal followed a 2023 Court of Final Appeal ruling (Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice) that instructed the government to establish a legal framework within two years to recognize same-sex relationships—though it stopped short of granting marriage rights.
Despite being modest in scope, the bill drew sharp criticism from pro-Beijing legislators and religious groups, who argued it threatened traditional values.
Public submissions reportedly showed significant opposition, though LGBTQ advocates suggested many opposing letters were generated from organized template campaigns.
LGBTQ groups and human rights organizations expressed disappointment, warning the rejection undermines court orders and tarnishes Hong Kong’s human rights image.
The government said it would respect the vote and not seek to extend the court-mandated deadline, but offered few details on the next steps.
Meanwhile, legal progress continues. A recent court ruling has expanded parental recognition in a same-sex couple’s family, pointing to incremental gains in rights despite legislative setbacks.