Love is a human right, and equality cannot wait. Hong Kong prides itself on being a modern, inclusive city, yet same-sex couples are still denied the right to legally register their partnerships. Without this recognition, countless couples are left without protection, dignity, and the basic rights that all families deserve.

Sign this petition to demand the Hong Kong Government to take immediate action to recognize the equal rights of same-sex couples and allow them to register their relationships in the city they call home. 

Same-sex couples in Hong Kong face systemic inequality and discrimination. They are currently excluded from many rights enjoyed by different-sex married couples in various aspects of life. This inequality fosters stigma, undermines family security, and places Hong Kong far behind other Asian societies that have already recognized same-sex partnerships or realized marriage equality.

Until July this year, the Hong Kong government proposed the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill, which provides a legal framework for same-sex couples to register their partnerships, as required by the top court two years ago. However, the proposed “registration” does not allow couples to legally enter into a civil partnership locally. It is restricted to same-sex couples who already have a marriage or civil union registered outside Hong Kong. The Bill also narrowly limits their rights to medical decision-making and post-death arrangements, excluding key family rights such as joint adoption, inheritance, housing and spousal benefits.

Now, even the limited rights offered in the Bill are being rejected by the city’s Legislative Council, slamming the brakes on this small step toward equality.

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