Top Court Tells HK to Create Legal Framework for Same-Sex Unions

  • Judges say government is defying city’s Bill of Rights
  • Ruling falls short of recognizing overseas unions in hub
Photographer: PHILIP FONG/AFP
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Hong Kong’s top court ordered the government to establish laws recognizing same-sex partnerships, representing one of the biggest victories yet for LGBTQ activists in the financial hub.

The lack of such a framework puts the government in violation of the city’s Bill of Rights, the Court of Final Appeal said Tuesday in a ruling. At the same time, the court dismissed part of an appeal to recognize same-sex marriages, including overseas unions.