Hong Kong couples awaiting UK gay marriage approval

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • February 15, 2006 - 0:00

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Hong Kong in 1991

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Hong Kong gay couples are awaiting a decision from the government on if the British Consulate can conduct civil partnerships in its country.

According to the UK Civil Partnership Act, all "British nationals" can register for a same-sex civil union in a British embassy or consulate, as long as the local law agrees.

This does not mean recognition under the country's law, but the UK consulate behind Pacific Place has already had several inquiries about the possible service.

A spokeswoman said the consulate has previously been unable to offer such a service because of the lack of a formal "no objection" from the SAR government. The Home Affairs Bureau Protocol Division spokeswoman said the government "is still considering the matter."

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Hong Kong in 1991.

There has been no objection to similar requests in British embassies in Japan, Vietnam, Venezuela, Turkmenistan, Colombia and Belarus.

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