Why Hong Kong is ready for same-sex marriage

By Jérôme Yau

Since the Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage in 2001, nearly 40 jurisdictions have adopted marriage equality. While most of these countries are in Europe and the Americas, we have seen significant progress in Asia in recent years. Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian territory to legalize same-sex unions.

This didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was the result of years of hard work by grassroots activists who helped the public and policymakers understand why marriage equality is good for society.

More importantly, the Thai case demonstrates that marriage equality can coexist with traditional cultures and religions in Asian contexts. Simply put, marriage equality is not a Western ideal; it is about respecting same-sex couples and allowing them to live with dignity in society.

In Hong Kong, the Court of Appeal has given the government until October 2025 to develop a framework for the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. The spirit of this landmark decision calls for a robust framework to recognise and protect same-sex partnerships, allowing same-sex couples to live in dignity. Marriage is the only way to ensure that same-sex couples are afforded the same respect, protection and social significance as any other family.

In the past, when same-sex marriage was still a new idea, some regions experimented with alternatives such as registered partnerships and civil unions. These places eventually evolved and passed marriage equality legislation because these options offered less protection, reinforced inequality, and encouraged discrimination. Hong Kong should not make the same mistake twice.

The facts are clear. Hong Kong is ready for marriage equality, with 60% of voters saying they support the measure. The top court has stated unequivocally that the government has the power to implement it. The evidence is overwhelming: marriage equality strengthens the institution of marriage while strengthening the social and economic fabric of society.

Hong Kong has always prided itself on its reputation as a forward-looking international city. Why are we slow to act on this issue? Marriage-friendly places are springing up all over the world.

Beyond economics, there is a compelling public health argument for marriage equality. Professor Archie Clements, a leading health expert, notes that “a definition of marriage that promotes social exclusion, stigma and discrimination will worsen health inequalities for LGBTIQ people and result in poorer health outcomes more mediocre.

In the article, “Mental Health Effects of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage,” the researchers found that legalizing same-sex marriage “is effective in improving not only societal attitudes toward (sexual minorities), but also their health and well-being.”

Fundamentally, marriage equality is about dignity, social cohesion and shared humanity. Same-sex couples, like their opposite-sex counterparts, want to build families, support each other and contribute to society. Their humble wish to have their love legally recognized through marriage should be welcomed with open arms.

Humanity has made enormous progress, and so has our understanding of marriage. The case for marriage equality is strong and compelling. If we want to create a better, more harmonious society that values ​​diversity, it goes without saying that we should say “yes” to marriage for all.

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Jerome Yau is co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality, the Hong Kong NGO dedicated to promoting fair treatment for same-sex couples.

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