In a significant move towards LGBTQ+ rights, the Hong Kong government unveiled a proposal on Wednesday to legally acknowledge same-sex couples who are married or registered abroad. This initiative represents a progressive step for the region in aligning with international standards on human rights.

According to the released document by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the registration system will require that both partners be of the same sex and at least 18 years old, with one partner being a Hong Kong resident. This system aims to provide same-sex couples with essential rights including hospital visitation, access to medical information, organ donation rights, and the ability to manage post-death affairs such as funeral arrangements and death certificate issuance.

The Bureau emphasized the need for a practical and abuse-preventive framework that meets public expectations while protecting the rights of registrants. This move comes in response to the landmark ruling by the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal in the case of Sham Tsz Kit v. Secretary for Justice in September 2023. The Court mandated the government to establish a legal framework to recognize the rights of same-sex couples within two years, although it did not extend this to include a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

Since the Court's decision, various human rights organizations and the United Nations have urged the Hong Kong government to advance legislation supporting same-sex partnerships. The Court has also recognized the rights of same-sex couples in areas such as public housing and inheritance.

Hong Kong joins a handful of Asian regions such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea that have established legal frameworks supporting same-sex couples. Globally, countries like Poland are also making strides in legalizing same-sex unions.

This proposal, set for discussion in Hong Kong's legislative council on Thursday, marks the first legislative step following the Court's ruling. It is a testament to the growing acknowledgment and integration of same-sex couples into the legal fabric of societies worldwide, reflecting a broader shift towards more inclusive governance.