Hong Kong widower launches legal bid for recognition after being denied right to organise his husband’s funeral
- Henry Li launches judicial review over Hong Kong government’s stance towards same-sex couples after death of partner Edgar Ng
- Court case forms part of a larger LGBT movement in the city, which does not recognise same-sex marriage
A widower is taking the Hong Kong government to court after he was denied the right to independently make funeral arrangements for his late husband.
Lawyers for Henry Li Yik-ho said their client had been barred by multiple ordinances in the city from handling matters arising from his spouse’s death, ranging from identification of the deceased and taking part in an investigation into cause of death, to collection of the body to arrange the funeral, and burial or cremation.
Ng was known for winning his legal challenge in September against the marriage provisions in local laws governing intestacy and financial provision for dependents. The city’s justice department has lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal.
Ng mounted a separate challenge against a Housing Authority rule that prevented him from living with Li, after they married each other in London in 2017. A hearing has been scheduled for April 19.