Government fails to respect LGBT rights
The landmark decision by Taiwan’s constitutional court on same-sex marriage represents a monumental moment in furthering equal rights for Taiwanese lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) citizens, and will resonate across Asia, especially the Greater China region.
The court’s eloquent reasoning affirms sexual orientation is “an immutable characteristic that is resistant to change” and the ban on same-sex marriage has no rational basis.
Unfortunately, we won’t see such a progression in Hong Kong any time soon. And recent developments have cast a negative light on equal rights in the so-called Asia’s world city.
As the city’s largest employer, the Hong Kong government had the opportunity to show leadership by implementing the recent High Court ruling on gay civil servants’ spousal benefits. Disappointingly, it decided to appeal the decision, and this essentially was a slap in the face for equality.
More unfortunately, we have some legislators who are oblivious to the injustice faced by the city’s sexual minorities. Instead of opening up their minds, they continue to peddle negative and intolerant views on gay rights, with intense fear-mongering.
One cannot help but wonder whether the government is serious about eradicating discrimination and promoting human rights for all.