Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse among pro-LGBT banks backing expat lesbian couple in legal battle against Hong Kong government
Twelve leading financial institutions seek to make court submission on behalf of British woman seeking dependant visa
In a rare show of solidarity with sexual minorities, 12 leading multinational financial institutions in Hong Kong are offering support for an expatriate lesbian spouse battling the government in court for recognition of her same-sex relationship registered in Britain.
The firms have filed an application with the Court of Appeal to put forward a submission spelling out their views on the impacts of the current government policy on their recruitment of talent from overseas.
Those lending their support are: ABN AMRO Bank; AIG Insurance Hong Kong; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group; the Bank of New York Mellon; BlackRock Asset Management North Asia; Credit Suisse; Goldman Sachs; Morgan Stanley; Nomura International (Hong Kong); Royal Bank of Canada; Societe Generale Hong Kong Branch; and State Street.
“By applying to intervene, they seek to assist the court by giving a more rounded picture of the issues than it would otherwise obtain, by providing an employer’s perspective to the court’s considerations,” said a statement issued on Wednesday by law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, which represents the 12 institutions.
“They all have corporate policies, strategies and practices to promote diversity and inclusion ... They all seek to attract and hire top talent from around the world in line with their diversity policies in order to maintain our position in the world talent market place.”