Lawmakers in Hong Kong have rejected a controversial bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples, in a blow to the city's gay rights movement.

The law, which would have recognized some rights for couples who were married overseas, was opposed by 71 of the city's 89-member Legislative Council (LegCo).

It was proposed by the government to comply with a 2023 court ruling, following the rejection of an attempt to legalize same-sex marriage.

While the city has in recent years been perceived as becoming gay-friendly, it has limited rights for the estimated 6% of the adult population who identify as LGBTQ. Recent polls suggest there is rising support toward the community.

Human rights group Amnesty International criticized the rejection of the bill, saying that it showed an alarming disdain for LGBTQ rights, and urged Hong Kong authorities to introduce a new and revised bill.

Hong Kong LGBTQ rights activist Jimmy Sham said it was deeply regrettable that the bill did not pass and that the government's inability to protect same-sex couples' rights would remain an open wound. He added that he believed the government would not turn a blind eye to the current illegal and unconstitutional situation.

The bill stemmed from a long-running legal challenge led by Sham, who sought official recognition of his marriage to his husband, which took place in New York in 2013.

The Hong Kong top court rejected this challenge in 2023, but ruled that the government must create an alternative framework to recognize same-sex unions.

This year's bill proposed a registration system for same-sex couples who were married or had civil unions overseas, allowing for some rights, including hospital visits and medical decision-making for spouses.

Despite support from the city's chief executive John Lee for the bill, it faced criticism from both LGBTQ activists and members of the LegCo, who argue it undermined traditional family values and set a precedent for legalizing same-sex marriage.

The rejection has prompted the government to re-evaluate its strategies with an impending deadline to meet legal obligations. This outcome represents a fracture between the legislature and the Hong Kong government—a rare occurrence in a politically synchronized environment.

Polls indicate rising public support for same-sex marriage, with a recent survey revealing that 60% of respondents favored it—up from 38% a decade ago. Furthermore, this year marked the island's hosting of the Gay Games, a significant cultural event.