US Officiant Marries 10 Same-Sex Couples in Hong Kong via Video Chat

Photo : AP

In a groundbreaking event timed to coincide with Pride Month, ten same-sex couples in Hong Kong defied local norms by legally marrying over the internet with the assistance of a registered officiant from Utah, USA. Hong Kong, despite not formally recognizing same-sex marriages, extends legal protections to such unions. The ceremony, which took place in a hotel wedding hall in Kowloon, saw couples exchanging rings and celebrating with their families.

Lucas Peng, a 66-year-old Singaporean residing in Hong Kong, expressed hope that societal acceptance of love beyond traditional norms would grow. He emphasized that love should transcend gender boundaries, echoing sentiments shared by others participating in the semi-virtual ceremony. Kurt Tung, the event organizer, highlighted Utah's streamlined digital marriage application process, which has become popular during the COVID-19 pandemic for online weddings.

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Hong Kong, adhering to cultural and religious traditions, only recognizes marriages between heterosexual couples. Nearby Taiwan remains the only self-governing territory in Asia where same-sex marriages are legally recognized, with Hong Kong granting legal rights to such couples without officially labeling them as marriages. Recent legal developments have shown progress towards recognizing same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong, following advocacy efforts by LGBTQ+ rights activists.

Despite these advancements, Hong Kong faces criticism for its conservative stance on social issues amidst increasing authoritarian influence from mainland China. Advocates continue to push for broader legal recognition and societal acceptance of diverse forms of partnerships in the city.

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