Hong Kong's top court ordered the government to legally recognize same-sex couples, despite denying same-sex marriage. It's a partial victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Hong Kong. DW's Phoebe Kong visits a man who has been fighting for his right to equal recognition before the state.
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00:00 Hello, Ma'am Ma'am.
00:02 Henry Lee bought this apartment five years ago with his late husband at a government-owned complex.
00:08 But it still legally doesn't belong to him.
00:12 They moved here from a public rental flat after learning they were forbidden from living there together.
00:18 That's because their marriage isn't recognized in Hong Kong.
00:23 Henry and Edgar tied the knot in 2017 in the UK.
00:28 They also become the first same-sex couple to hold a blessing service at a mainstream Christian church in Hong Kong.
00:36 But a backlash soon followed.
00:39 Edgar was disqualified from his position in the Catholic Church.
00:44 Even after the couple won a lawsuit over equal public housing rights, Edgar couldn't enjoy the victory.
00:51 After a bout with depression, he committed suicide.
00:56 We're under great pressure in so many aspects of our lives.
01:02 The church, daily routine, living in public.
01:07 Just because we're gay people, I believe the story wouldn't end up like this otherwise.
01:13 Henry was initially banned from handling Edgar's remains and ashes.
01:23 He had to file yet another legal case, forcing the authorities to let him handle Edgar's after-death arrangements.
01:31 The authorities and the legislature hold the power but none of them make an effort.
01:38 The indifference is humiliating.
01:41 The only way left for us is to sue.
01:44 Still, the government chose to spend a lot of money and time to argue in court again and again.
01:52 Acceptance of same-sex marriage among Hong Kong businesses and the public has grown to historic highs.
01:59 A university poll this year shows 60% of the public support it, up from 38% a decade ago.
02:08 Love is equal. Everyone should have the same marriage rights.
02:15 I support it because our society should be more tolerant nowadays.
02:21 I oppose it because I'm a Christian. Same-sex marriage violates Christian values.
02:29 We shouldn't allow same-sex couples to have kids.
02:34 Ultimately, that decision hinges on the courts.
02:39 And while not yet marriage, Hong Kong's top court ruled that the government must legally recognize homosexual partnerships in two years.
02:48 Over the past few years, there have been some victories in a series of lawsuits surrounding the rights of same-sex couples.
02:55 But they were only limited to individual policies.
02:58 The latest ruling marks the very first one in Hong Kong that could change the legal system extensively and fundamentally.
03:06 Henry and his fellow marriage rights activists are busy planning their next steps.
03:12 It was his late husband who brought Henry into LGBTQ advocacy.
03:18 It's a great pity that he can't witness this moment because this is what we wanted to fight for.
03:26 We could only get registered overseas but not at home.
03:31 But I know he would be happy to know that everyone's efforts are not in vain.
03:37 His contribution is meaningful.
03:42 And is a legacy that Henry is determined to carry on.