HSBC labelled arrogant over refusal to hold dialogue with Hong Kong anti-gay activists

Controversy erupted after banking giant installed two multicoloured lions at its headquarters to symbolise its inclusive policies

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The installation of the multicoloured lions angered anti-gay activists. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 8:00am, 31 Dec 2016Updated: 12:43pm, 26 May 2017

Anti-gay activists have described as “arrogant” and “unacceptable” HSBC’s refusal to hold a dialogue over the display of a pair of multicoloured lions symbolising LGBT rights.

The Family School Sexual Orientation Discrimination Ordinance Concern Group was informed on Friday that HSBC’s senior management “will not be available for further discussion”, despite an invitation to exchange ideas on the issue.

The “Pride and Unity lions”, which have been sitting outside the banking giant’s Central headquarters since November 30 as part of the corporation’s campaign to promote diversity and inclusion, are set to be removed as scheduled on Friday evening after a month-long campaign.

Roger Wong Wai-ming, convenor of the concern group and the leading force behind the petition, said he did not understand why such a humble request was turned down.

“Our protest was held [outside HSBC’s headquarters] on December 14. We waited for half a month for such a response,” Wong said.

Watch: HSBC’s rainbow lions cause storm in Hong Kong

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