Letters | Hong Kong must stand firm on same-sex rights in the face of ignorance

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I am writing to express my strong support for the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong aspires to be recognised as a world-class city that welcomes all who live here, or seek to travel to or make Hong Kong their home. But as long as we continue to demonstrate to the world an ignorance of the attitude to homosexuality in ancient China and some lawmakers air views that demean our city by using the debate on same-sex partnerships as a platform for division, we fail to present Hong Kong as “Asia’s World City”. Moreover, a study in 2023 found that 60 per cent of Hong Kong residents support same-sex marriage.

Legal recognition for same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong does not erode the values underlying the institution of marriage; it strengthens them. Denying acceptance of same-sex unions drives some youth into a downward spiral, where sadly, the ultimate sacrifice is seen as their only escape. How can this be a reality in modern Hong Kong?