By Jerome Yau
Since the Netherlands legalised same-sex marriage in 2001, nearly 40 jurisdictions have embraced marriage equality. While most of these jurisdictions 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 allow same-sex unions.
This did not happen in a vacuum; it was the result of years of hard work by local activists who helped the public and policymakers understand why marriage equality is beneficial to 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 Final Appeal gave 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 strong framework to recognise and protect same-sex partnerships, allowing same-sex couples to live with dignity. Marriage is the only way to ensure that same-sex couples receive the same respect, protection and social meaning as any other family.
In the past, when same-sex marriage was still a novel idea, some regions experimented with alternatives like registered partnership and civil union. Those places eventually moved on and passed marriage equality legislation because those options provided less protection, reinforced inequality and invited discrimination. Hong Kong shouldn’t make the same error twice.
The facts are clear. Hong Kong is ready for marriage equality, with 60 per cent saying they support it. The top court has stated unequivocally that the government has the authority to put it into effect. The evidence is overwhelming: marriage equality enhances the institution of marriage while also strengthening society’s social and economic fabric.
Hong Kong has always been proud of its reputation as a forward-thinking international city. Why are we dragging our feet on this issue? Places that welcome equal marriage are flourishing all over the world.
Aside from the economic case, there is a compelling public health argument for marriage equality. Professor Archie Clements, a leading health expert, remarks that “a definition of marriage that promotes social exclusion, stigma and discrimination will compound the health inequities of LGBTIQ people and will result in poorer health outcomes.”
In the article, “Mental health effects of same-sex marriage legalisation”, researchers found that same-sex marriage legalisation “is effective in improving not only societal attitudes to [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 raise families, support one another 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 persuasive. If we want to create a better, more harmonious society that values diversity, it is a no-brainer to say “I do” to marriage for all.
Jerome Yau is co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality, the NGO in Hong Kong dedicated to advancing fair treatment for same-sex couples.
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
