The Hong Kong government has proposed legislation to recognize limited rights for same-sex couples whose marriages are registered abroad. This move aims to comply with a September 2023 ruling by the Court of Final Appeal in the Jimmy Sham case, which mandated the government to create an "alternative framework" recognizing the core rights of same-sex couples within two years. The proposed registration system would grant certain healthcare-related rights and legal recognition to these couples but stops short of legalizing same-sex marriage in Hong Kong, affirming that marriage remains defined as between one man and one woman. The bill is scheduled for introduction and consideration by the Legislative Council in mid-July 2025. While Hong Kong leader John Lee has expressed support for the bill and emphasized respect for the court ruling, the proposal has faced opposition from pro-Beijing lawmakers who argue it undermines traditional family values. LGBTQ activists, including Jimmy Sham, have criticized the framework as insufficient and called for stronger protections, noting that requiring couples to register their marriages overseas first is a limitation. The government maintains that the proposal is a necessary response to the court ruling and does not compromise the existing heterosexual marriage system.