HONG KONG — In a poignant moment at her wedding, Jaedyn Yu realized how far her father had come in accepting her love for another woman. Initially faced with family disapproval, Yu and her partner decided to marry virtually, opting for a U.S. officiant in May and celebrating in Bali, Indonesia.

With Hong Kong yet to establish a legal framework for recognizing same-sex partnerships, they took matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, their concerns were justified. Despite a landmark court ruling in favor of recognizing same-sex partnerships earlier this year, the government's proposed legislation, presented in July, has ignited fierce opposition in the legislative council.

This bill, if approved, would allow couples who are already legally married abroad to register their partnerships locally, gaining rights in medical and estate matters. The fate of this landmark legislation comes to a head this Wednesday, as lawmakers debate its future.

Yu’s wife, Gloria Tsang, pointed out the bill's shortcomings, arguing it serves only those who can afford to marry abroad, saying, "The original purpose of law is to protect everyone." It’s clear this is only the beginning of a larger fight for equality.

Years of Progress and Struggle