Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang on Wednesday said the government is disappointed but respects lawmakers’ decision to veto its proposal to recognise same-sex partnerships.

Drawn up in response to a landmark ruling by the Court of Final Appeal in 2023, the registration mechanism would have granted same-sex couples limited rights such as those related to medical decisions and after-death arrangements.

Speaking to reporters after the Legislative Council voted down the bill during its second reading, Tsang said the administration understands that lawmakers need to reflect people’s views and acknowledges that society has yet to reach a consensus on the issue.

He said even though the bill was rejected, Hong Kong remains a highly diverse and inclusive society, and there are many safeguards in place to protect the rights of same-sex couples.

Legco president Andrew Leung, meanwhile, said the council’s decision reflected society’s views and mainstream value, noting that lawmakers had spent around four hours deliberating the bill before eventually voting on it. He stressed all procedures were conducted in line with the Basic Law.

In an article published by the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Beijing officials also said safeguarding the rights of same-sex couples is an extremely complex issue.

They said Legco's decision to vote down the bill at a time when society is still divided on the matter shows that the council is not a “rubber stamp”, and that the SAR’s executive, legislative and judicial branches are operating and interacting in a positive and mutually respectful manner.