25: Is the impending implementation of Civil Partnership enough to protect the LGBTQ+ Community in Hong Kong? With Geoffrey Yeung

Geoffrey Yeung is a barrister practicing at Denis Chang’s Chamber, a leading Chamber in Hong Kong. He worked on Infinger, Nick v Hong Kong Housing Authority [2020], a landmark case which ruled that it was unlawful for the Hong Kong Housing Authority to preclude same-sex married couples from applying for public rental housing as a family. He has been recognised as a Rising Star of Administrative and Public Law in the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2024 and specialises in general civil & commercial litigation, and constitutional & administrative law with public law dimensions. In this episode, our host Anson Cheng delves into the topic of civil partnerships in Hong Kong with Geoffrey. A civil partnership is a relationship between two people, formed when they register as civil partners of each other, which ends only with death, dissolution or annulment. This arrangement provides many of the financial benefits afforded to married spouses, such as the rules for pensions, survivor benefits, annulment and dissolution.Geoffrey comments on the impacts of Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary of Justice, the landmark case which ruled that the Hong Kong government has a positive duty to implement a framework to recognise same-sex partnerships such as civil partnerships. He details the legal and social implications of requiring the civil partnership framework, the other protections afforded to same-sex couples, the adequacy of protection for the LGBTQ+ community and possible future policies.Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn at @lsesonthecaseEmail us with any feedback or enquiries at [email protected]