Hong Kong's Gay Games Co-hosting Met with Backlash from Conservative Political Elites
Hong Kong faces political resistance from conservative lawmakers over hosting the Gay Games, Asia's first Critics claim the event may violate national security laws This reflects the city's evolving dynamics Join us in witnessing this historic event
Hong Kong's co-hosting of the inaugural Gay Games in Asia has sparked a political controversy, as conservative lawmakers have urged authorities to cancel the event, citing concerns over its compliance with the national security law. Despite these challenges, the event, which has been uniting gay and straight athletes from across the globe for the past forty years, commenced on Friday with joint hosts, Hong Kong and the Mexican city of Guadalajara.
However, there has been significant resistance from certain individuals within the Chinese financial hubs' recently implemented "patriots only" political system, introduced by Beijing in response to the major and frequently violent democracy demonstrations in 2019.
On Wednesday, eight city lawmakers supported a petition from conservative organizations, demanding the cancellation of the games. They claimed that the event promotes LGBTQ rights and disseminates "Western ideology".
Junius Ho, a fiery lawmaker renowned for his fervent support of Beijing and his stance against gay rights, has expressed his objection to a petition that disguises its true intentions of promoting diversity and inclusivity for a sports event under a Western guise. Moreover, he has raised concerns about the possibility of this event violating the provisions outlined in the new national security law, which prohibits foreign powers from meddling in Hong Kong's governance.
"In short, the national security act is the legal basis," he said.
Another pro-Beijing lawmaker Peter Shiu said the game went beyond an ordinary sports event.
"This clearly appears to be a biased opinion. I am unaware of how it made its way to Hong Kong," he commented.
Responding to the objections from lawmakers in Hong Kong, the organizers of the Gay Games have strongly defended the event, affirming that it will be a joyous occasion promoting inclusivity, free from political affiliations.
Lisa Lam, co-chair of Gay Games, reassured participants at the Hong Kong launch on Thursday that all of their books have undergone thorough examination by professional accountants, ensuring a high level of transparency. Furthermore, Lam emphasized their unwavering commitment to adhering to local laws since the beginning. In light of recent allegations, they confidently dismissed any concerns that these accusations might discourage potential participants from attending.
"Regarding sports and culture, everyone holds their own opinions," stated Alan Lang, the sports events director.
CNN inquired about the support provided by Hong Kong's government for the games and their stance on lawmakers who suggested that the event could potentially violate national security regulations.
A response was provided by a spokesperson who chose not to address the initial inquiry but instead focused on the following statement: "In Hong Kong, all activities must adhere to the laws set forth by the local government. If any violation of these laws occurs, law enforcement agencies will take appropriate action, whether it be in relation to common offenses, criminal behavior, or actions that jeopardize national security."
Participants pose for photos at a news conference ahead of the Gay Games in Hong Kong, China November 2, 2023.
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A changing city
The rhetoric from pro-Beijing lawmakers comes at a time when the space for Chinas LGBTQ community is being increasingly squeezed under Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
In Hong Kong, same-sex marriage is not permitted and there is no legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, being an international and financial hub for China, Hong Kong has a thriving and influential LGBTQ community.
Various governmental restrictions on equal rights for same-sex couples, such as the prohibition on gay marriage, have recently been overcome through legal challenges. In September, the city's highest court instructed authorities to explore potential civil partnership options for same-sex couples.
The city has undergone significant transformation following the 2019 protests, as Beijing has taken strong measures to suppress pro-democracy activists through the implementation of a new national security law, effectively criminalizing dissent. As a result, one year after the enforcement of Hong Kong's national security law, residents can feel the tightening grip of Beijing.
Hong Kong's LGBTQ community has not been directly targeted by the law, but numerous renowned democracy activists in the city, who have advocated for increased equality, have faced prosecution under the extensive legislation or have chosen to flee abroad. The national security offenses can result in life imprisonment, and the authorities have expanded their powers to confiscate assets and impose significantly higher bail requirements for individuals who are arrested.
In 2017, Beijing introduced a new political system in Hong Kong that required individuals running for elected office or holding prominent government positions to undergo screening for their loyalty to China and potential national security threats.
Initially selected as the exclusive location for an event scheduled for 2022, Hong Kong had to delay the event by one year due to its stringent COVID-19 restrictions, which remained in place for an extended period compared to most other regions globally.
Guadalajara became a joint host, marking the first time for Latin America. However, this decision sparked controversy due to safety concerns associated with its endemic drug cartel violence. Reuters reported that all previous Gay Games saw a minimum of 8,000 participants. Surprisingly, just a week before the event, registrations stood at 2,458 for Guadalajara and 2,381 for Hong Kong.
Participants of Hong Kong's annual pride parade walk through the streets with a large rainbow flag on November 26, 2016.
Aaron Tam/AFP/Getty Images/File
Hong Kongs top court tells government to create legal recognition for same-sex partnerships
Wayne Morgan, a senior Australian athlete who has participated in six Games, expressed his deep desire for the cancellation of the event, yearning to fast forward to Valencia in 2026, the host city of the next Games, as he told Reuters.
Taiwanese athletes openly cited concerns about their safety in Hong Kong due to the national security law, expressing fear of potential arrest if they were to display a Taiwanese flag.
Taiwan's Gay Sports and Movement Association stated that their athletes will participate in the Mexican segment instead. Taiwan possesses a flourishing LGBTQ community and made history in 2019 as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.
Despite never ruling Taiwan, China's Communist Party asserts its ownership over the democratic self-ruled island and is determined to "reunify" it, even employing force if deemed necessary. The relationship between Taiwan and China has reached its lowest point in decades.
Come and join us
Gay Games organizers have attempted to play down those concerns, saying participants are still coming from all over the world.
"According to Lang, the director of sports, the 2,381 athletes who have come to Hong Kong represent a diverse range of nationalities, territories, and countries."
"The majority of funding for the Gay Games has been provided by international banks, insurance companies, and law firms. These organizations have been advocating for greater inclusivity in the city for their LGBTQ employees. Additionally, most of the events are being held in private establishments rather than public sporting venues in Hong Kong."
Regina Ip, a prominent member of the Hong Kong government and a lawmaker, represented the government at the opening ceremony. She is among the limited number of local politicians who have openly expressed their support for the games.
According to Ip, the event demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to being an open, inclusive, and diverse society. She also mentioned to CNN that the government should have placed more emphasis on the significance of non-discrimination.
Chan Kwan-on, an ambassador for the Gay Games in Hong Kong, appealed to critics to refrain from rushing to judgments and instead experience the event firsthand. "We invite you to join us and see for yourself. We are not malevolent," he stated. "Embrace love and peace."
