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Legislators could sink a government proposal that would give some rights to couples who married overseas, raising questions about the city’s status as an international hub.
Sept. 10, 2025, 12:01 a.m. ET
Since the Chinese government imposed a major overhaul of Hong Kong’s political system four years ago, the city’s legislature has been stacked with loyalists who have sided with the government on almost every issue.
But there is one law proposed by the Hong Kong government that faces opposition from a large number of lawmakers. It’s a bill that would recognize same-sex partnerships and provide people in such relationships with rights such as the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of their partners.
Nearly half of the city’s 89 legislators have indicated they would vote against the bill, which will be debated again on Wednesday, while only a handful have declared support. Holden Chow, the vice chair of the city’s largest pro-Beijing party said that the bill could “result in dire consequences” for traditional Chinese family values.
Hong Kong does not recognize same-sex marriage. The proposed law would allow only same-sex couples who married or entered a civil union overseas to register as lawful couples in Hong Kong, and extends rights to such individuals in a limited way.
Once registered, people in same-sex relationships would be entitled to rights related to the medical matters involving their partners, including taking part in medical decisions. They would also be allowed to make arrangements if their partners died, including burial, cremation and the keeping of ashes.
The bill does not cover parental or adoption rights, nor does it directly address public welfare benefits for couples.
