The Pulse：Same-sex dependant visa: QT case & 21st HKSAR through the eyes of 2 HKUSU presidents

The latest study by Hong Kong University’s Centre for Comparative and Public Law and Chinese University suggest that over half of Hong Kong people now support same-sex marriage. That’s a big increase from the 38% in a similar 2013 study. 69% also said there should be a law against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The administration however shows no sign of wanting to change the laws. On Wednesday though, the government suffered a defeat in the Court of Final Appeal which made a landmark ruling on the eligibility of a lesbian couple for a dependant visa. With me are solicitor Michael Vidler and Peter Reading, Legal Counsel for the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Two weeks ago, the Central-government-backed Ta Kung Pao newspaper said that the annual July 1st march should be banned because it calls for an end to one-party rule in China, opposes the central and Hong Kong governments, and “violates the law and the constitution”. The police were also making things difficult this year, telling the organisers, The Civil Human Rights Front, that they would only allow the march to begin at small area of the lawn in Victoria Park. They warned of possible arrests if protesters tried to join later on the route. This year’s turnout was at a three-year low. The organiser said around 50,000 took part. And it wasn’t just the July 1st march that saw low numbers. Since the Umbrella movement ended in 2014, other political protests have also seen reduced participation.
On Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam lost her temper at the weekly media session after the Exco meeting. She appeared to be saying that answering questions in English was a waste of time. Then late at night, she issued a statement to apologise for causing “confusion” with her remarks. We’ll leave you with that and see you next week, when, with apologies to Mrs Lam we will still be broadcasting in English. Goodbye.