Hong Kong leader backs same-sex couples' rights bill

Hong Kong leader John Lee threw his weight behind a bill recognising limited rights for same-sex couples yesterday, despite fears that opposition from pro-Beijing parties could sink it.

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Mr Lee's administration proposed legislation this month to recognise some rights for same-sex partners whose marriages are registered abroad.

Despite LGBTQ activists arguing it does not go far enough, the proposal drew near-universal criticism from the pro-Beijing politicians that dominate Hong Kong's legislature. The clash pitted Mr Lee against conservative lawmakers from his own camp and led some to fear the proposal might be pulled.