The government on Thursday called on organisers of the upcoming 2023 Gay Games Hong Kong (GGHK) to abide by local laws and regulations, after they announced they’ve secured all of the venues needed for the nine-day event to go ahead in November.

GGHK said Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Causeway Bay will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as various competitions, while other confirmed venues include MacPherson Stadium, the Sha Tin Rowing Centre, and the HKU Stanley Ho Sports Centre.

“We invite everyone to join us in November 2023 for a spectacular celebration of sports, arts, culture, and diversity,” the co-chair of GGHK, Lisa Lam, said in a press release.

In response to media enquires, the government said the organiser must comply with local laws and regulations, regardless of where the events are held.

“The Gay Games is hosted by a community organisation. Many of its events will be held in private venues. The government has reminded the organiser to observe the laws and regulations in Hong Kong, regardless of whether the events are held in private venues or not,” officials wrote in a statement.

“Some events may even require licences and permits to be applied for from relevant departments… Subject to the details of the event, additional requirements including crowd control and safety measures will be imposed as necessary.”

Authorities stressed that the organiser must abide by the rules and conditions set by the relevant departments, to ensure that the event is conducted in a lawful, safe and orderly manner.