In a semi-autonomous city that does not formally recognize same-sex marriages, ten same-sex couples in Hong Kong found a way to celebrate their love and commitment. Utilizing a unique legal loophole, they married online through the state of Utah, which allows for digital applications without the need for in-person appearances. The event, timed to mark Pride Month, saw a registered officiant from Utah make their marriages official over the internet.
Family and friends gathered in a hotel wedding hall in Hong Kong’s Kowloon district, witnessing the couples exchange rings and raise their glasses in celebration. Among them was Lucas Peng, a 66-year-old Singaporean businessperson living in Hong Kong, who expressed a heartfelt wish for broader acceptance of love in all its forms. “I hope one day that everybody would accept the fact that love is not just between a man and a woman. It’s between two people who love each other,” Peng said. “It’s just two humans who love each other. That’s the key. That’s the important part. And to be able to publicly declare our love for each other today is a very important step for us, definitely.”
A Step Towards Recognition
The virtual wedding event was organized by Kurt Tung, who emphasized the significance of providing same-sex couples in Hong Kong with a means to formalize their relationships. “In Hong Kong, there’s not yet a way to go to a marriage registry to get married, but there’s still this way we can offer for them to realize their dreams of getting married,” Tung said. This creative workaround reflects the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong, where cultural and religious traditions limit the recognition of same-sex marriages.
Despite the local government’s restrictions, Hong Kong does offer legal protections to same-sex couples, recognizing their rights in areas such as inheritance, joint custody of children, and spousal visas. These protections were reinforced by a landmark ruling in September by Hong Kong’s top court, which mandated the creation of a legal framework for recognizing same-sex partnerships. This ruling came after LGBTQ+ rights activist Jimmy Sham challenged the city’s laws, arguing that they violated the constitutional right to equality.
Contrasts and Challenges
The celebration of love and equality by these couples stands in stark contrast to the increasingly conservative political climate in Hong Kong. Under the influence of the authoritarian Communist Party leadership in Beijing, there have been significant curtailments of democratic rights and free speech, drawing criticism from around the world. However, events like the virtual weddings signal hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community in Hong Kong.
As these couples celebrated their unions, the broader fight for equal rights and recognition continues. The virtual weddings not only marked a personal milestone for the couples involved but also served as a powerful message of love, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality in Hong Kong and beyond.