Hong Kong lawmakers have dealt a significant blow to the city’s LGBTQ community by rejecting a bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples.

The proposed legislation, which aimed to recognize some rights for couples married overseas, was voted down by 71 of the 89-member Legislative Council.

This decision marks a rare split between the legislature and the Hong Kong government, which had backed the bill.

The bill was introduced to comply with a 2023 court ruling that ordered the government to create an alternative framework to recognize unions between members of the same sex.

Despite the city’s growing support for the LGBTQ community, with polls suggesting 60% of respondents in favor of same-sex marriage, the lawmakers rejected the bill.

The proposed legislation would have allowed same-sex couples who were married or had civil unions overseas to register their relationships and enjoy some rights, including hospital visits and making medical decisions for a spouse.

LGBTQ rights activist Jimmy Sham expressed his disappointment and frustration over the rejection of the bill. “It’s deeply regrettable that the bill did not pass, and the government’s inability to protect same-sex couples’ rights would remain an open wound,” he said.

Sham has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights and initiated a legal challenge to legalize same-sex marriage.

Amnesty International also criticized the rejection, stating that it showed an “alarming disdain” for LGBTQ rights and urged the Hong Kong authorities to introduce a new and revised bill.

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, had backed the bill and warned that rejection would violate Hong Kong’s rule of law and bring about “serious consequences.”

The government’s proposal drew criticism from both LGBTQ activists, who viewed it as insufficient, and members of the LegCo, who said it went against traditional family values and paved the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The rejection of the bill means the government will have to go back to the drawing board, with little time to meet its October 27 deadline.

This decision highlights the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Hong Kong, despite the city’s growing reputation as becoming gay-friendly. The estimated 6% of the adult population who identify as LGBTQ continue to face limited rights and recognition.

Polls suggest that there is rising support for same-sex marriages among the Hong Kong public. A survey in 2023 found 60% of respondents in favor of same-sex marriage, compared to 38% a decade ago.

This growing support is also reflected in the city’s hosting of the Gay Games in 2023, marking the first time the competition was held in Asia.

The rejection of the same-sex partnerships bill in Hong Kong has sparked widespread criticism and disappointment among the LGBTQ community and human rights groups.

As the government considers its next steps, the debate over LGBTQ rights and recognition continues to unfold. The city’s lawmakers’ decision has raised questions about the future of LGBTQ rights in Hong Kong and the potential consequences of not meeting the court’s deadline.