Hong Kong Gay Games: Regina Ip accuses three lawmakers from same camp of being ‘out of touch’ for opposing government support of event
- Legco row erupted on Wednesday after veteran legislator called for more support from authorities, with Junius Ho saying he did not want ‘dirty money’ from economic benefits of the Games
- Games co-chairman Dennis Philipse says they may have to scale down the event if they fail to get the government’s help with the venues
Three pro-establishment lawmakers have triggered a storm in Hong Kong’s political and academic circles after they suggested that authorities’ support for hosting the Gay Games locally next year was tantamount to backing same-sex marriage.
Accusing the trio of being “out of touch” with the public, veteran pro-Beijing legislator Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee and other activists on Thursday urged politicians to be “open-minded” and recognise that residents were increasingly tolerant regarding sexual orientation.
Speaking to the Post, Dennis Philipse, the co-chairman of the Gay Games, said they might have to scale down the event if they failed to get the government’s help with the venues.
“It would mean Hong Kong, as a world city, is not able to secure venues for the Gay Games. This is something bad for Hong Kong’s international image. All we need is support with public venues, we never ask for any other kind of support,” he said.
Philipse said while he did not want to comment on some lawmakers’ criticisms, he hoped to clarify that the event was actually open for everyone from the public to participate.
“The public are very supportive and it’s never a small-circle event that is designed for LGBT+ groups,” he added, citing that when the Games were held in the United States, former US president Barack Obama gave an opening speech in show of support.