Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday stressed that the judicial, executive and legislative branches have "very properly" fulfilled their functions as required under the Basic Law in handling the issue of same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong.

He said the administration will explore ways to offer protection to people in such relationships after lawmakers last week voted down its proposed framework to recognise same-sex partnerships, which was drawn up in response to a landmark Court of Final Appeal ruling in 2023.

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the court has made a judgement free from interference, the administration has respected the rule of law and proposed legislation, and Legco has scrutinised the government bill concerned.

Lee said lawmakers reflect the views of their constituents when making decisions.

"There have been some very unfair criticism about the Legislative Council – that it is a rubber stamp," he said.

"That is a very unfair accusation. And the fact that they have exercised their duties and vote to represent their own thinking and the views from their constituencies reflect that Legco members are dutifully fulfilling their duties."

Lee said that the government would continue to examine how protection could be offered to same-sex partners.

"Same-sex partnership is a contentious issue in Hong Kong and that is why there have been a lot of views expressed both in society and in Legco,” he said.

"One thing is very clear. The only marriage that is recognised under the Basic Law is heterosexual – man and female and one to one.

"That principle hasn't changed and will not be changed. We will, of course, examine how we can offer protection to the same-sex partners so that their rights will be protected.

"A lot of these relates to healthcare and also to estate properties. We will examine how we can do that administratively.”