Hong Kong Moves Toward Limited Same-Sex Partnership Rights

Hong Kong's government has proposed a registration system to grant limited legal recognition to same-sex couples with overseas marriages, partnerships, or civil unions, provided at least one partner is a Hong Kong resident. This follows a 2023 top court ruling requiring the government to develop a framework addressing the basic social needs of same-sex couples, but not granting marriage rights. The proposed rights include making medical decisions and handling after-death matters, but the system does not allow same-sex marriage or local civil unions. Pro-Beijing legislators have voiced strong opposition, claiming the plan threatens traditional values, while activists argue it does not meet the court's mandate for full equality. The government emphasizes it will not recognize same-sex marriage itself, only comply minimally with court requirements. Legislative approval is still needed for the proposal to become law.