Covid-19 didn’t stop the world from celebrating Pride. On June 27, the Global Pride event was streamed online, and it couldn’t have come at a better time – the US Supreme Court recently handed down a landmark decision on workplace anti-discrimination law and same-sex marriage became legal in Costa Rica in late May. Unfortunately Hong Kong, as a self-proclaimed world city, pales in comparison when it comes to LGBT+ equality. There is no law against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. Despite recent court victories , there is no marriage equality. And transgender persons continue to face hardships and institutionalised injustice on gender recognition. Amid government inertia, it is comforting that three district councils – North, Sham Shui Po and Southern – have proclaimed their support of Hong Kong Pride Parade. It is also encouraging that more than 100 district councillors have signed a joint letter rebuffing attempts by well-known anti-gay politicians to turn the clock back to the dark ages of oppression against LGBT+ persons. Perhaps it is useful to point out that, under the District Council Ordinance, the functions of a district council include advising the government “on matters affecting the well-being of the people in the district”. To this end, it is perfectly legitimate for any district council to support Hong Kong Pride Parade. In fact, all district councils should do the same, as there are LGBT+ persons living in all 18 districts, and equality goes to the very heart of the well-being of these people. Also, Hong Kong is not a theocracy – faith-based policymaking has no place in the city. It is also wrong to impose one’s moral views on other people or broader society. Gay church, rainbow cross welcome LGBT community at Pride Parade Pride parades around the world are about diversity and inclusion; they are also festive events that celebrate love. Of course people who hold bigoted views would rather see Pride go away. But if we believe in the lessons of history, then there is no doubt that hatred will not prevail, and humanity will be better off by embracing rather than rejecting LGBT+ individuals. Jerome Yau, chief executive, Pink Alliance