Hong Kong gay rights: British lesbian wins spousal visa case

Hong Kong's court of appeal ruled that a British lesbian who moved to the territory with her partner should be granted a dependent visa.

In a unanimous ruling by three judges, the Court of Appeal said immigration authorities had "failed to justify the indirect discrimination on account of sexual orientation that QT suffers".

"Times have changed and an increasing number of people are no longer prepared to accept the status quo without critical thought," chief judge Andrew Cheung wrote.

Hong Kong's LGBT campaigners welcomed the decision with Ray Chan, the city's first openly gay lawmaker, describing it as a "big win for same-sex dependents to apply for visa to stay in Hong Kong".

The Equal Opportunities Commission said it was time for the government to consider a legal framework and policy measures to recognise same-sex relationships and protect LGBT rights.

UCJ, UNILORIN.