Hong Kong's LGBT community seeks ban on discrimination
The battle to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a frustrating one, as highlighted by Legco's intransigence
For most Hongkongers, being seen by their boss holding hands with their partner would be no big deal. But for those whose partner is of the same sex, it could lead to the sack - with no legal right to fight back.
No one doubts discrimination on grounds of sexuality exists, a fact acknowledged by the government and even conservative groups that oppose legislating against discrimination. Ever since such a law was first considered 15 years ago at the time of the handover, the government has maintained its stance that public education is sufficient to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and legislation is not necessary.
Last week, the Legislative Council voted down a motion to launch a public consultation on whether to legislate.
The fight for equal rights has been gathering momentum, fuelled by renowned local figures proudly proclaiming their homosexuality and encouraged by progressive legislation in other countries.
In September, Raymond Chan Chi-chuen - popularly known as "Slow Beat" from his days as a radio DJ - came out as gay soon after winning a seat in the Legislative Council, making him the first openly gay lawmaker. He said his presence had encouraged Cyd Ho Sau-lan, a Labour Party lawmaker at the forefront of fighting for legislation, to "pick up the pace" in the new Legco term.
In April, pop star Anthony Wong Yiu-ming came out as gay to a Hong Kong Coliseum audience, becoming the second high-profile singer to do so, after the late Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing. And now there is a third - Canto-pop singer Denise Ho Wan-sze, who came out last week on stage at the city's fourth annual Pride Parade.