Hong Kong LGBTQ groups in push to get public’s support for same-sex rights bill
Four groups launch petition as Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill faces strong opposition from most lawmakers
The joint action by Hong Kong Marriage Equality, Dear Family Hong Kong, Pink Alliance and Covenant of the Rainbow on Thursday came a day after the legislature convened its first meeting to scrutinise the government bill, in which only one lawmaker of the 15-strong committee openly endorsed the proposal.
The five-part bill aims to grant same-sex couples rights related to medical matters and after-death arrangements.
Couples who have a valid same-sex marriage, partnership or civil union registered in a jurisdiction outside Hong Kong can have their relationship recognised under the proposed registration mechanism.
As of Thursday afternoon, Legco’s secretariat had received 55 submissions from groups and individuals.
According to the Post’s count, among the 47 submissions available for public inspection, 35 of them support the legislation, with some calling for more progressive reform. They include individuals and groups from the LGBTQ community.