The Pulse：Same-sex marriage & East Lantau Metropolis

On Wednesday Taiwan’s highest court ruled, in a landmark decision, in favour of same-sex marriage. That decision means that Taiwan will become the first place in Asia to legalise marriages of this kind despite the opposition of conservative groups in Taiwan who have argued – among other things – that acceptance of homosexuality is not Chinese. Meanwhile in Hong Kong the gay community has a far longer way to go to achieve equality before the law. With me in the studio are legislator, Priscilla Leung and Felix Yuen, Co-ordinator of Amnesty International’s LGBT group.
For many Hongkongers, Lantau Island is a breath of fresh air. 54% of it is occupied by country parks. It is home to rare species such as Romer’s Tree Frog, and ecologically important sites such as montane forest, woodland, coastal waters and uncontaminated streams. There are also eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest where development is not permitted, as well as five declared monuments, five graded historical buildings, 57 archaeological sites and over 20 temples. There are now fears that a planned development of nearby Kau Yi Chau to become the East Lantau Metropolis could put this rich heritage at risk.