Judges call for alternative framework to marriage in partial victory for city’s LGBTQ+ community

Hong Kong must provide an alternative to marriage in order to legally recognise the rights of same-sex couples, the city’s highest court has declared, opening the way for civil unions.

However, it rejected appeals against current laws which restrict marriage to heterosexual couples and refuse to recognise overseas same-sex marriages, despite majority support among the population.

The ruling said Hong Kong’s government was “in violation of its positive obligations” under the bill of rights to provide a legal framework to recognise same-sex couples outside the institution of marriage, and gave it two years to establish a system.

    • QuokkaEnglish
      4•1 year ago

      Mainland:

      An adult with full capacity for civil conduct may, in prior consultation with his/her close relatives, or other individuals or organisations who are willing to act as his/her guardian, determine his/her guardian in writing. The agreed guardian shall perform the guardianship duties when such adult loses or partially loses his/her capacity for civil conduct."

      HK:

      The ruling said Hong Kong’s government was “in violation of its positive obligations” under the bill of rights to provide a legal framework to recognise same-sex couples outside the institution of marriage, and gave it two years to establish a system.

      These are vastly different things.