Overview

• Hong Kong’s Legislative Council voted down the government’s Registration of Same-Sex Partnerships Bill 71–14, the first government bill rejected since the post-2021 electoral overhaul.
• The proposal would have recognized only overseas-registered unions and granted limited rights on medical decisions and after-death arrangements, excluding marriage, parental or adoption rights.
• The Court of Final Appeal ruled in 2023 that the government must create an alternative framework for same-sex partnerships by October 27, 2025, a requirement that remains in force.
• Constitutional Affairs Secretary Erick Tsang said the government will not seek an extension of the deadline and will study next steps with the Department of Justice.
• The government said about 80% of 10,800 public submissions opposed the bill, while advocates disputed the measure of opinion and warned the veto damages Hong Kong’s human-rights reputation.