Preferential treatment of heterosexual married couples in Hong Kong

Partner Matt Bower led the team from Hong Kong, with international support from A&O’s LGBT+ network, A&Out, plus Peerpoint consultants, volunteers from local Hong Kong firms and a major client.

The research, commissioned by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), analysed Hong Kong legislation and government policies that discriminate against couples not recognised as ‘married’ – marriage between opposite-sex couples being the only voluntary relationship recognised under Hong Kong law.

“We found evidence of differential treatment in each of the 21 areas of law we examined,” Matt says, “from the moment a relationship is formed to the end of a person’s life.”

For example, heterosexual married couples are entitled to benefits, such as preferential tax treatment, access to public housing and the ability to use reproductive technologies, that individuals in other relationships are not. Failure to recognise alternative relationships also impairs the way some laws can operate as intended and makes it harder for authorities to enforce certain criminal laws too.

A&O’s report has generated significant interest, with the Equal Opportunities Commission in Hong Kong describing it as “excellently informative”. A subsequent panel discussion hosted by A&O and prominent spokespeople on diversity and equality has looked further at the prospects for reform and how businesses can support LGBT+ employees.

“Our hope now,” says Matt, “is that this positive response from so many organisations and individuals will prompt further discussion on whether and how reform can be pursued.”

Read the full report here.

This article is taken from the new edition of our pro bono and community investment magazine, Increasing Access.

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