Overview

• The Legislative Council voted 71–14 to veto the government’s bill, with one abstention, marking the first defeat of a government bill since the 2021 electoral overhaul.
• The proposal would have recognized only partnerships legally formed overseas and conferred limited rights on medical decisions, hospital access and post‑death arrangements, without touching marriage or parental rights.
• Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang said the government will study options with the Department of Justice and will not immediately seek an extension of the Oct. 27 court deadline.
• LGBTQ+ advocates and human-rights groups condemned the outcome as a setback that risks harming Hong Kong’s reputation and urged a revised, more comprehensive framework to meet the Court of Final Appeal’s order.
• The government reported about 80% of 10,800 public submissions opposed the bill, which activists say reflected template campaigns, contrasting with a 2023 survey showing roughly 60% support for marriage equality and a string of court rulings expanding specific rights.