Protesters besiege coadjutor bishop of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong over gay rights stance
Michael Yeung Ming-cheung appointed by Vatican on Sunday was also confronted on his views over Beijing’s recent interpretation of the Basic Law
The newly appointed coadjutor bishop of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong was besieged by protesters on his first day in the post yesterday over his stance on gay rights and other political issues.
Michael Yeung Ming-cheung, 69, was appointed by the Vatican on Sunday, and is expected to become bishop of Hong Kong after Cardinal John Tong Hon’s term expires next year. Tong, 77, has passed the retirement age of 75.
A coadjutor bishop is appointed to assist the bishop in administration of the diocese.
Yeung was confronted by a group of protesters on his views over Beijing’s recent interpretation of the Basic Law, as well as remarks he made comparing homosexuality with drug addiction.
“This is what youngsters are like, being passionate and fearless, you cannot expect them to be all very obedient,” Yeung said. “Even I may not agree with them completely, I will tolerate them.”
Yeung attended a graduation ceremony at Caritas Institute of Higher Education in Tseung Kwan O on his first day in the position yesterday during which a group of students held up banners and rainbow flags in protest.
The students surrounded Yeung and stopped him leaving the venue, at which point he explained his thoughts on a number of issues.