Hong Kong LegCo has voted down the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill
Summary
On 10 September 2025, Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) voted down the Second Reading of the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill. The result was 14 votes in favour, 71 against and one abstention. The Bill — gazetted on 11 July 2025 — sought to create a legislative framework to legally recognise same-sex partnerships and set out related rights and obligations in response to a court ruling.
The Government said it respects LegCo’s decision, will not seek an extension of the court’s suspension period, and will continue to discuss and study the matter with the Department of Justice. LegCo President Andrew Leung described the Bill as highly controversial, noted about four hours of debate, and said legislation is not the only route to address the issue while emphasising open dialogue to build consensus.
Key Points
- LegCo rejected the Second Reading of the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill on 10 September 2025 (14 for, 71 against, 1 abstention).
- The Bill was gazetted by the HKSAR Government on 11 July 2025 to provide legal recognition of same-sex partnerships following a court ruling.
- The Government will respect the vote, will not seek an extension of the court’s suspension period, and will consult further with the Department of Justice.
- LegCo President Andrew Leung said procedures followed the Basic Law, called the Bill controversial, and advocated continued dialogue rather than immediate legislation.
- The outcome leaves legal recognition unresolved and signals ongoing political and social debate in Hong Kong about same-sex partnership recognition.
Context and relevance
The vote matters for employers, HR professionals, and organisations operating in Hong Kong because legal recognition of partnerships affects benefits, leave entitlements, next-of-kin arrangements and equality policies. For diversity and inclusion agendas, the result is a setback to formal statutory recognition and means companies may need to decide whether to provide their own protections and benefits.
More broadly, the outcome reflects prevailing political and social pressures in LegCo and indicates that any future change will likely require sustained public and political dialogue rather than quick legislative fixes.
Why should I read this?
Want the short version without slogging through Hansard? LegCo just said no — for now — to a law that would have recognised same-sex partnerships. If you’re responsible for people policies, payroll, benefits or inclusion, this shapes the landscape you’re planning for. It’s a signal that businesses may need to act where lawmakers won’t, at least in the short term.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t just another procedural vote. It’s a clear political statement with immediate implications for workplace equality and benefits design. Read the details if you care about how legal shifts — or the lack of them — affect staff rights and HR practice.