Second Reading of the Same-Sex Partnership Registration Bill resumes

The second reading of the “Same-Sex Partnership Registration Bill” resumed in the Legislative Council. Aside from the New People’s Party (NPP), which supports the bill, several other political parties, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), and the Liberal Party, expressed opposition during the committee stage. If the bill is rejected, it would be the first time a government bill has failed to pass the Legislative Council since the electoral system was improved.
New People’s Party Chairwoman Regina Ip, who also serves as the convener of the Executive Council, stated that the rights granted to same-sex couples under the bill are very limited, and that the authorities are only providing a minimal response to the Court of Final Appeal’s ruling. The NPP urged all members to support the bill to reflect the diversity and balance of society. Election committee member Lai Tung-kwok emphasized that the government’s enforcement of court rulings is an essential requirement of a rule of law society and the due duty of patriots governing Hong Kong. If the bill is rejected, it could trigger a new round of judicial review.