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Three transgender men challenge Hong Kong policy requiring full sex change before they are legally considered male

Applicants say refusal to recognise their adopted gender amounts to inhumane treatment

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The case is being heard at the High Court of Hong Kong. Photo: Fung Chang

Hong Kong’s High Court on Tuesday began hearing the case of three transgender men challenging the government’s requirement for them to undergo a full sex change before their local identity cards are amended to state they are male.

The applicants are seeking a judicial review over the Commissioner of Registration’s refusal to recognise their adopted gender. They said the rejection infringed their rights not to be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as their rights to privacy.

They also said that the refusal amounted to indirect discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance.

Barrister Hectar Pun, representing the trio, arrives at the High Court in Admiralty. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Barrister Hectar Pun, representing the trio, arrives at the High Court in Admiralty. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hectar Pun SC, acting for the applicants, said they were living as males in Hong Kong and Britain.

“They have completed medical treatments and they have transitioned [from female to male] according to their psychiatrist,” Pun said.

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