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Hong KongPolitics

Hong Kong lawmaker fights for same-sex partners to get right to claim ashes of loved ones

Labour Party legislator wants legal definition broadened as the city does not recognise gay unions made overseas

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Lawmakers will discuss and vote on a proposal to make same-sex partners eligible to claim the ashes of their loved ones from private columbariums. Photo: AP
Naomi Ng

Lawmakers will discuss and vote on a proposal to make same-sex partners eligible to claim the ashes of their loved ones from private columbariums.

Cyd Ho Sau-lan of the Labour Party proposed that the definition of a relative of a dead person in a government bill be broadened to include partners from same-sex marriages registered abroad.

The legal framework does not currently consider people in same-sex marriages, civil partnerships and unions as eligible claimants to handle ash disposal procedures as Hong Kong does not recognise the legal status of same-sex marriages from overseas.

For [same-sex partners] to not be included in the process would be like adding salt to the wound
Billy Leung, Pink Alliance

Billy Leung, vice-chairman of the Pink Alliance, a leading pro-gay rights group, said: “It’s important that partners of same-sex couples should have a final say and be involved in the arrangements of picking up the ashes and arranging funerals. It’s important to be recognised as part of the family.”

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Leung hoped that legislators would vote to pass the amendment when the private columbaria bill is tabled for discussion on Wednesday during the Legislative Council’s weekly meeting.

“For [same-sex partners] to not be included in the process would be like adding salt to the wound. It’ll be terrible if we do not rectify that,” Leung said.

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However, the Food and Health Bureau, which regulates the operation and licensing of non-government columbariums, said the additional public expenditure would be too high if the amendment was passed.

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