Hong Kong lawmakers say no to more rights for same-sex couples

The Hong Kong government has rejected a proposal to grant some legal rights to same-sex couples who were married abroad. The proposed law would have recognized the relationships of same-sex couples who had married overseas, allowing them to make decisions on each other's behalf in areas like medical care and inheritance. However, the proposal was voted down by lawmakers, with the majority arguing that it would undermine the traditional definition of marriage. The decision has been criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that it denies basic rights and protections to same-sex couples. The Hong Kong government maintains that the current legal framework, which does not recognize same-sex marriage, reflects the majority public opinion in the region. The rejection of the proposal highlights the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong, where same-sex marriage remains illegal despite growing calls for greater equality and inclusivity.