Letters | Hong Kong must do what’s right by LGBT community, and act to end the discrimination

It is the government’s duty to protect people from discrimination. The fear of giving offence should not hold it back from doing the right thing

LGBTQ

Letters

Published: 11:00am, 21 Nov 2018

Why you can trust SCMP

I refer to the article, “Government needs to step up and show support for Hong Kong’s LGBT community” (November 19).

Though I do not agree with the government’s attitude towards the LGBT community and the topic of gay rights, especially when officials seem to have repeatedly ignored invitations to attend Pride marches, I could say I understand them.

It is difficult for government officials to show support to the LGBT community when it comes to an Eastern society such as ours, as there are still many people who hold conservative views about love and marriage, for cultural or religious reasons, or both. Also, the government of mainland China does not recognise LGBT rights, and this may be the guideline the Hong Kong government must follow.

Maybe the decriminalisation of homosexual acts in 1991, and the recent court acceptance of granting spousal visas to same-sex partners, are already the best that it can do. That’s why the government’s attitude to any further expansion of gay rights is understandable.

However, while this might equal playing it safe so as not to get some groups angry, the Hong Kong government should do more to support the LGBT community, as human rights should trump any other consideration.

Pro-family and anti-gay groups don’t believe Hong Kong public supports law to protect LGBT people

If some sections of society are resistant to equal rights for all, it is the duty of the administration to act against that discrimination. Changes in laws can gradually bring about a change in attitude. Many countries have already legalised same-sex marriage, Hong Kong should learn from them. Sexuality-based discrimination is ridiculous in this day and age, and it must end.

It is the duty of the administration to see that discrimination and inequality are not promoted in society. The government should step up and show its love and respect towards the people, not least the LGBT citizens.

Mary Ng, Kwai Chung

The book, “Occupy”, by the Chinese writer Tianyi. She was jailed for 10½ years for writing and selling gay porn. Photo: Weibo

Jail term for Chinese porn writer does not befit the crime

I refer to the report, “Outcry as Chinese writer jailed for over 10 years for gay sex scenes” (November 18). It is no surprise that the verdict has come as a huge shock to most people. I think the Chinese government applied overly stringent rules to punish the writer. Pornography may be illegal in China, but a 10½-year sentence for writing homoerotic fiction, much more than what some violent criminals like rapists and even murderers get, is too harsh.

The Chinese Communist Party holds up the nation as a safe place where people have freedom of speech. But their actions show otherwise. Although writers must respect the law of the nation, the punishment was too harsh. Also, it may lead more people to discriminate against homosexuals.

Harmoni Wong, Kwai Chung

Post