Hong Kong Top Court Says 'Same Sex-Couples Need Legal Recognition', Urges 'Alternative Framework'

<p>Hong Kong's highest court, the Court of Final Appeal, made a significant decision on Tuesday (September 5) regarding the recognition of same-sex partnerships. The ruling partially approved an appeal by LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, urging the acknowledgment of overseas same-sex marriages. Additionally, the court called for the establishment of an alternative legal framework that would enable such couples to legitimise their essential social needs, as reported by Reuters.</p> <p>The judges, however, rejected the argument that the failure to recognise same-sex marriage was in violation of the city's mini-constitution, which safeguards the right to equality. In their decision, the judges unequivocally stated, "There is no constitutional right to same-sex marriage in Hong Kong," Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Court of Final Appeal's ruling underscored that the government was found to be "in violation of its positive obligation... for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships," as stated in the judgment. Despite this acknowledgment, the court "unanimously dismisses the appeal" concerning the recognition of same-sex marriages, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p> <p>This decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ rights and the legal status of same-sex relationships in Hong Kong, the report said. While the court stopped short of granting full marriage rights to same-sex couples, its call for an alternative legal framework represents a step forward in recognising the importance of recognising and protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals and their relationships, it added.&nbsp;</p>

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