Libraries’ decision to hide children’s books with LGBT content challenged in Hong Kong court
Activist applies for judicial review of what he says was an unconstitutional move, as anti-gay-rights groups go even further and call for the books to be only available on request at annual book fair
A gay social activist has asked the courts to review the Hong Kong Public Libraries’ decision to hide 10 children’s books featuring same-sex parents and other LGBT themes from public view.
Lee Tak-hung’s judicial review application sought court orders quashing what he described as illegal and unconstitutional decisions.
And it came as anti-gay activists doubled down on their efforts, calling on organisers of the city’s annual book fair to similarly hide the books away.
In the first judicial review application of its kind, filed at the High Court on Monday, Lee argued that the library chiefs’ decision ran contrary to the public’s right to freedom of expression and freedom to engage in cultural activities, as provided under the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. He said it constituted unjustified discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
