Hong Kong’s leader will ‘respect’ Legco decision on same-sex partnership bill
John Lee says he will respect Legco’s authority amid strong opposition to bill, with at least 41 lawmakers indicating objection
Hong Kong’s leader has said he will “respect” the outcome of the legislative scrutiny of a government proposal to recognise same-sex partnerships, amid mounting opposition from lawmakers, giving no further details on whether authorities will submit a revised bill if the current one is vetoed.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that while authorities had to come up with a framework for same-sex partnership recognition in line with a Court of Final Appeal ruling, his administration would respect the Legislative Council’s power to pass or veto bills.
“Under the Basic Law, the judiciary exercises independent adjudication power, whereas Legco exercises legislative power. Both of them perform their respective constitutional roles. The Hong Kong government respects the judiciary and Legco in exercising their respective powers under the Basic Law,” he said.
The government is set to introduce the bill for its first reading in Legco on Wednesday. The legislation will allow couples who have a valid same-sex marriage, partnership or civil union registered in a jurisdiction outside Hong Kong to apply to have their relationship recognised in the city.
The proposal also grants same-sex couples some rights, such as those related to medical and after-death matters, but some LGBTQ activists described it as conservative and vague.
