• Hong Kong proposes a new system to recognise same-sex partnerships formed overseas.
• The proposal allows limited rights related to healthcare and after-death matters for same-sex couples.
• Most lawmakers have opposed the proposal, demanding further public consultation.
• Past court rulings prompted this legislative initiative, emphasizing the evolving views on LGBTQ rights.
• Support for same-sex marriage has grown, reaching 60% acceptance among residents.

The Hong Kong government has revealed a proposal for a new mechanism to recognise same-sex partnerships formed abroad, which aims to comply with a landmark court ruling. The framework would allow same-sex adult couples who have legally registered marriages, civil partnerships, or civil unions outside the city to apply for recognition in Hong Kong, granted that at least one partner is a resident. Successful applicants would gain rights related to healthcare decisions, such as hospital visits and medical consent, alongside rights concerning after-death arrangements including handling of remains, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.

The proposal has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers, most of whom oppose it. Critics argue that the government is hastily pushing through the legislation without adequate public consultation, fearing it may damage social cohesion. During discussions in the Legislative Council, parties opposed to the recognition of same-sex partnerships, like the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, conveyed their concerns about potentially eroding traditional values. The Vice-Chairman of DAB, Brave Chan Yung, remarked on the implications this proposal might have on social fabric, according to SCMP, Channel News Asia, and LA Times.

Opposition to the proposal hinges on the limited scope of rights it offers, which do not equate to marriage. Specifically, it excludes crucial areas like housing and tax rights, which had been addressed in prior landmark rulings favoring same-sex couples. Activists have expressed that the constraints of requiring overseas registration for recognition convey inequality that could lead to further litigation. "This proposal is very conservative and far from acceptable," stated Jerome Yau, a co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality, as cited by SCMP and LA Times.

Despite the proposed recognition, public opinion has shown significant support for same-sex marriage, with approximately 60% of adults backing it in 2023, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes over the last decade. Yet, traditional views remain entrenched among certain lawmakers, particularly those aligned with pro-Beijing factions, as evidenced by the reluctance to support comprehensive legal recognition of LGBTQ rights. The discrepancy between public sentiment and legislative action continues to raise questions about the future of LGBTQ rights in Hong Kong, according to Channel News Asia and SCMP.