The Gay Games Hong Kong (GGHK) kicked off on Saturday, its first time in Asia, regardless of opposition from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers and human rights activists.
The opening ceremony started with a march-in by the GGHK, Federation of Gay Games, and delegations from world wide, adopted by performances together with the Hong Kong lion dance.
“The vision of the Gay Games has always been to create a sports, arts, and culture festival that celebrates participation, inclusion, and personal best,” mentioned Lisa Lam, co-chair of GGHK.
Lam mentioned GGHK was proud to introduce an all-genders class in multi-sports activities for the primary time, so that folks of all genders can compete collectively.
READ: Mainz Terminates Contract With Anwar El Ghazi Over Pro-Palestine Posts On Social Media
Over 2,300 contributors from 45 international locations are anticipated to participate in sporting and cultural occasions, together with, dragon boat racing and mahjong.
The Mexican metropolis of Guadalajara is co-internet hosting the occasion.
Hong Kong will in the present day develop into the primary Asian metropolis to co-host the Gay Games, regardless of ban calls from rights activists and lawmakers opposing LGBTQ+ efforts.️ The metropolis has no legislation in opposition to discrimination primarily based on sexual orientation and doesn’t recognise similar-intercourse marriage. pic.twitter.com/46P9G4lJru
— Openly ️ (@Openly) November 3, 2023
Hong Kong has no legislation in opposition to discrimination primarily based on sexual orientation and doesn’t recognise similar-intercourse marriage.
A ruling by its prime courtroom in September set a two-yr deadline for the federal government to determine a authorized framework to recognise similar-intercourse unions.
The authorities didn’t ship officers to the opening ceremony, warning the organisers in August that the Games have to be carried out in a “lawful, safe and orderly manner”.
ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets
Beijing imposed the National Security Law (NSL) on town in 2020 after months of anti-authorities protests. The legislation punishes subversion, collusion with international forces and terrorism with phrases of as much as life in jail.
A ruling by its prime courtroom in September set a two-yr deadline for the federal government to determine a authorized framework to recognise similar-intercourse unions.
The authorities didn’t ship officers to the opening ceremony, warning the organisers in August that the Games have to be carried out in a “lawful, safe and orderly manner”.
Beijing imposed the National Security Law (NSL) on town in 2020 after months of anti-authorities protests. The legislation punishes subversion, collusion with international forces and terrorism with phrases of as much as life in jail.
Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho on Thursday despatched a letter to town’s chief John Lee, saying that the agenda of the homosexual video games is to advertise similar-intercourse marriage, accusing it of violating the NSL.
Five Hong Kong human rights activists additionally referred to as for the Games to be cancelled in June, saying organisers “have aligned themselves with pro-authoritarian figures responsible for widespread persecution against the people of Hong Kong”.
Taiwan is just not sending athletes to Hong Kong however to Guadalajara, citing safety considerations over the NSL.
Opposition didn’t dampen the joy, spectators chanted, cheered and waved earlier than the opening ceremony.
“This is a good idea because especially China is not very fond of the gays. So this is to become visible in China as queer people,” mentioned Gerrit Schulz, 80, a participant from Berlin.
(This story has not been edited by News18 workers and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Reuters)
