Opinion | Conflicts between protecting rights for Hong Kong’s LGBTI people and freedom of religion can be resolved
Opposing views on legislation against LGBTI discrimination can be mitigated as not all religious adopt negative attitudes towards LGBTI people, and religion-related exemptions can be included in the new law
On November 28, the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macau, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the consulate general of Germany co-organised the international conference “LGBTI Rights and Freedom of Religion in Hong Kong and the European Union”, with support from the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Religious and civil society experts from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Taiwan and Hong Kong discussed issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex (LGBTI) people in Hong Kong and the European Union. The discussion focused on how to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex (SOGII) status, and how to foster acceptance for diversity, particularly among religious communities.
Freedom of religion weighs heavily on the minds of some opponents of legislation against discrimination on the grounds of SOGII in Hong Kong. Some people are especially concerned about the possible loss of freedom in their religious practice and expression of “moral conscience” if there were to be such a legislation. It is also apparent in some European jurisdictions that some religious groups have been the strongest public oppositional voices.
However, there is no irresolvable conflict between protecting equal rights for LGBTI people and freedom of religion.
First and foremost, it should be noted that not all religions have negative attitudes towards LGBTI people. In Hong Kong, a campaign called the “Covenant of the Rainbow: Towards a Truly Inclusive Church” was initiated by Christian organisations, local churches and theological student fellowships from diverse backgrounds to highlight that they are LGBTI-inclusive. The Blessed Minority Christian Church, an LGBTI-friendly fellowship, is also celebrating its 25th year of operation in Hong Kong.