On gay marriage in Hong Kong, equal rights should get priority over social prejudice

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A rainbow flag, a symbol of the LGBT community, flutters against the skyline of the central business district in Hong Kong, on November 6, 2015. Protesters marched in the city’s annual gay pride parade on the day to call for equality and same-sex marriage. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:15pm, 14 Jun 2018Updated: 12:31pm, 15 Oct 2020

Fear and ignorance keep prejudice alive. Notwithstanding the fact that the sky hasn’t fallen in jurisdictions where LGBT individuals enjoy equal rights, Hong Kong continues to dig in its heels when it comes to treating gay citizens with respect and dignity.

More disturbing, however, is the fact that there are politicians who peddle fear in their all-out attempt to deny equal rights to the city's sexual minorities.

Instead of engaging in a reasoned debate, they tried to politicise the appointment of two eminent jurists to the Court of Final Appeal by making unwarranted and irresponsible claims. (“Pro-Beijing lawmakers voice concerns over foreign judges' support for gay rights”, April 28)

As Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li rightly pointed out in his address at a ceremony on June 9, “only two qualities are stated in the Basic Law for the appointment of judges: judicial and professional qualities. Their views, political or otherwise, or any other aspect, do not enter into it.”

While traditions and societal views are important considerations in the formulation of any public policy, they are not trump cards to subvert equal rights. Put plainly, minority rights should not be subject to the wishes of the majority or the promise of equality will ring hollow.

Baroness Brenda Hale (left) and Beverley McLachlin, both vocal supporters of same-sex rights, have become the first female judges in the Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal. Photo: SCMP

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