Hong Kong has gazetted the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill

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A Government spokesperson reiterates that this alternative framework of same-sex partnerships' registration will not change the Government's established position on the monogamous and heterosexual marriage system.

The HKSAR Government has gazetted the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill on 11 July 2025 to fulfil the court's ruling by establishing an alternative framework through legislation for the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, outlining the corresponding rights and obligations.

The Bill aims to establish a registration system for same-sex partnerships, allowing same-sex partners to apply for registration of their same-sex partnerships.

The content of the Bill covers:

• the setting up of a same-sex partnership registry;
• the conditions for registration of same-sex partnerships;
• the mode of application for registration and revocation of registration; and
• the offences and penalty related to the registration mechanism.

The Bill also amends related provisions in certain enactments to provide for rights and obligations attendant on the recognition of same-sex partnerships.

A spokesperson for the Government said, "The Government respects the court's judgment, and will proactively fulfil the related obligation under BOR14 by establishing the relevant alternative framework through legislation. The current proposal has fully taken into account the actual situations and overall interests of Hong Kong, and strived to achieve an appropriate balance.

“The Government will continue to actively maintain close communication with the Legislative Council (LegCo) to implement the Bill."

Further the spokesperson clarified: "We reiterate that establishing the alternative framework to introduce a registration system for same-sex partnerships will not compromise the Government's established position on upholding the monogamous and heterosexual marriage system."

The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on 16 July.

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