LGBT supporters hold glow sticks as they take part in a gathering for International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, 2019 in Hong Kong, China.Like many young married couples in Hong Kong, Nick Infinger and his partner struggled to find a home they could afford. So last year, they applied for a public housing flat and prepared for the long wait.
Hong Kong decriminalised homosexuality in 1991, and the city has an annual pride parade and a lively gay scene. But it does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil unions. “Each of the cases has won crucial rights that they otherwise would not have,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his office.Hong Kong’s Housing Authority was established in 1973 with an aim to provide low-cost rental housing and subsidised home ownership for the city’s residents.
“I wanted to call attention to the disadvantages and unfair treatment that LGBT people face, and put pressure on the government to review the public housing policy,” Infinger said. And earlier this year, the court ruled that same-sex couples were eligible for spousal benefits, in a case brought by a Hong Kong civil servant.
But because Hong Kong has no law against discrimination based on sexual orientation “it is our only option now,” Vidler said.A survey released last year by the University of Hong Kong showed more than half the respondents backed same-sex marriage. Yet, gay couples do not qualify as they are not recognised as a “family unit”, said Indulekshmi Rajeswari, an attorney and LGBT+ rights activist.
Housing is exorbitant in HK. Because of ridiculous blding regulations not all of the land that could be used is used. So don't count on special treatment when apt's are shoe box sized and CCostly.