In a significant legislative decision, the Hong Kong Legislative Council voted down a bill on Wednesday that would have enabled some same-sex couples to legally register their partnerships. The bill was rejected by a substantial majority, with 71 legislators voting against it and only 14 in favor.

This decision comes as a response to a mandate from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (HKCFA), which in 2023 ruled that the government must create a legal framework by October 27, 2025, to recognize same-sex marriages performed overseas. The proposed registration system introduced in July 2025 aimed to allow these couples to register and make medical and post-death arrangements, but it stopped short of allowing same-sex marriage within Hong Kong itself.

The rejection of the bill has sparked criticism from international human rights organizations. Amnesty International, along with over 30 other groups, had previously urged the government to pass the bill, emphasizing that the proposed measures were already minimal compared to international standards for equality and human rights protections. Nadia Rahman, an Amnesty International Policy Advisor on Gender, expressed deep concern over the legislative decision, stating that the lawmakers have demonstrated a “disdain for LGBTI rights.”

The refusal to pass the bill is seen by many as a discord between the legislative actions of the council and the evolving stance of the courts and public opinion towards greater equality and recognition of LGBTI rights in Hong Kong. The courts have progressively adopted a more flexible approach to equal rights, which amplifies the contrast with the Legislative Council’s conservative stance on the matter.

With only 51 days left to meet the court's deadline, the Legislative Council is now under pressure to revise and re-propose a new bill that aligns with the HKCFA’s ruling to address what has been acknowledged as a "basic social need." The future of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong remains uncertain, highlighting ongoing tensions between traditional values and the push for more inclusive civil rights.