Hong Kong LGBT groups are right to celebrate same-sex visa win, but family values come first

I refer to your report, “Hong Kong to recognise same-sex partnerships in visa applications” (September 18). I welcome the decision to revise our immigration policy to extend dependant visa rules to cover same-sex partners in civil unions or marriages recognised overseas. We should not discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation, especially when sexual orientation is a natural occurrence more than a choice.

However, my position is rather conservative when it comes to LGBT marriage rights. Marriage is not an issue simply between two individuals or two families, but instead involves all of society, and comes with rights and obligations, as well as social benefits.

Our society is built upon family values and families are the core fundamental units of our life. And marriage is a crucial part of that, an event that bonds individuals together to form a family. Therefore, any attempt to change the definition of marriage without a consensus among all stakeholders in society will cause discontent, as it would contradict social norms.

The government should eliminate homophobic stigma and promote the well-being of the LGBT community, but legislation to allow same-sex marriage can’t be a solution. It is unfair to alter the definition of marriage solely to suit a super-minority, while dismantling the pillars that define family relationships in Hong Kong.

Anfield Tam, Quarry Bay