Press Release
20 Oct 2025
As of today, only one week remains before the court’s deadline. However, since the Legislative Council voted down the Same-Sex Partnership Registration Bill in mid-September, Hong Kong authorities have taken no substantial action—either in law or policy—to implement the equal rights protections for same-sex couples as mandated by the Court of Final Appeal.
Last month, Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas launched a global petition calling on the government to urgently introduce a comprehensive legislative amendment that fully recognizes and protects same-sex partnerships. In just one month, 9,219 people from around the world signed in support. Today, the petition has been submitted to relevant departments, including the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, urging the government to legally recognize and protect the equal rights of same-sex couples.
Luk Chi-man, Executive Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas, said:
“Although the Same-Sex Partnership Registration Bill was rejected by the Legislative Council, the call for equal rights for same-sex couples has not gone away. This global petition, backed by more than 9,000 supporters, demonstrates widespread concern and solidarity with same-sex couples in Hong Kong. It sends a clear message to the Hong Kong government: act now to ensure same-sex couples can live with equality and dignity.”
“The continued inaction of the Hong Kong authorities stands in stark contrast to Hong Kong’s self-proclaimed image as a city committed to the rule of law, diversity, and inclusion.”
“No one should face discrimination because of who they are or whom they love. With the court’s deadline fast approaching, the Hong Kong government must urgently introduce a revised bill to establish a legal framework that recognizes and protects the rights of same-sex couples.”
“Love is a human right, and equal rights cannot wait. The government must immediately provide the public with a clear legal and policy roadmap, including a detailed plan and timeline, to advance equal rights for same-sex couples.”
Background
On 5 September 2023, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal issued a partial victory for LGBTI advocate Jimmy Sham, ruling that the Hong Kong government has a positive obligation to create an alternative framework to legally recognize same-sex relationships and protect associated rights. The court set a two-year deadline, requiring the government to establish this legal framework by 27 October 2025.
On 11 July 2025, the government published the Same-Sex Partnership Registration Bill in the Government Gazette. However, the bill offered only minimal protections—denying same-sex couples the right to legally enter into partnerships in Hong Kong and limiting their rights to areas such as medical decisions and post-death arrangements.
On 10 September 2025, the bill was rejected by the Legislative Council.