Jimmy Sham, a key pro-democracy and LGBT activist, was released after over 4 years in jail under Beijing’s security law amid Hong Kong’s crackdown.
Hong Kong's legislature voted down a bill to recognize same-sex partnerships, despite a 2023 court ruling urging recognition. The bill would have allowed overseas unions to be registered locally and granted some rights, but faced fierce opposition from pro-Beijing lawmakers. The government must now seek alternative protections for LGBTQ+ couples.