Leader of Hong Kong Christian group slams landmark ruling on spousal benefits for gay civil servants

Society for Truth and Light general secretary Choi Chi-sum calls decision a blow against institution of marriage

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The court’s decision could have an impact on other gay civil servants who marry overseas. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 1:02pm, 2 May 2017Updated: 12:43pm, 26 May 2017

The leader of a Hong Kong religious pressure group has accused a judge of exceeding his authority by wrongly interpreting the meaning of marriage in the city, following a landmark ruling that allows a gay civil servant to claim the same benefits for his spouse as his heterosexual colleagues.

Others, however, feel that the government should offer even more legal protections to the gay community. During a heated debate on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, Rainbow Action spokesman Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit called for the implementation of an anti-discrimination law.

Choi Chi-sum, general secretary of the Society for Truth and Light. Photo: Handout

“[The ruling] is a step forward. But it is still far from achieving real equality for gay people,” Sham said.

Choi Chi-sum, general secretary of the Society for Truth and Light, a conservative Christian group, said the city had no obligation to recognise the legitimacy of marriages in foreign countries, and it was unfair for taxpayers to foot the bill.

“We are disappointed at the ruling. The government should appeal,” Choi said.

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