CE: admin measures to protect same-sex couples' rights

The Chief Executive says that administrative measures will be taken to implement the Court of Final Appeal's ruling to protect certain rights of same-sex couples.

The Legislative Council voted down the Registration of Same-Sex Partnerships Bill -- which would have recognised same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong with certain rights granted to couples.

That has marked the first time the legislature vetoed a government bill since the city's electoral system was overhauled.

Chief Executive John Lee says it shows the judiciary, executive and legislature each fulfil their roles with "good communication" between the executive and the Legislative Council, and the government also respects the decisions made.

Lee says the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will study the possibility of tapping administrative measures to roll out policies to implement the 2023 Court of Final Appeal's ruling, according to actual situations to protect the rights of same-sex couples including medical or inheritance-related issues.

When asked about a mother and son, both Tin Shui Wai residents in a public housing flat, who plunged to their death after receiving an eviction notice from the Housing Department for failing to declare their assets during their public housing application...

John Lee: "There were two members of the public who lost their lives, of course I am really sad about it."

He says he heard suggestions to increase the number of healthcare representatives in the housing appeal committee, so as to balance the needs to combat the abuse of public housing while humanely handle some special cases.