Advertisement

Judge rules against couple in China's first same-sex marriage case

Couple vow to continue appealing until all legal avenues are exhausted

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Gay rights activists run with the rainbow flag during the Hangzhou International Marathon in November. Photo: AP

A judge on Wednesday ruled against a gay couple in China’s first same-sex marriage case that was seen as a landmark moment for the country’s emerging LGBT rights movement.

Advertisement

The court in the central city of Changsha, capital of Hunan province, dismissed the suit brought against the local civil affairs bureau for refusing to issue the couple a marriage registration certificate.

Their lawyer Shi Funong said he expected the judge would rule against them but not so soon – within just a few hours.

“It goes against the spirit of the laws of the People’s Republic of China,” Shi said.

Advertisement

Plaintiff Sun Wenlin said he would appeal until he exhausts all legal options.

It goes against the spirit of the laws of the People’s Republic of China
Shui Funong, couple’s lawyer
loading
Advertisement