China’s First Same-Sex Marriage Case Ends in Defeat for LGBT Supporters
China’s first same-sex marriage lawsuit has ended in a setback for the country’s LGBT supporters. The judge ruled the city government can continue to reserve the right to deny same-sex couples marriage certificates.
►Related News: All Taiwan Municipalities To Recognize Same-Sex Relationships
A gay couple, Sun Wenlin and Hu Mingliang, sued the Changsha city government on account of China’s Marriage Law not explicitly denying the right of marriage to same-sex couples. Many in the LGBT community in China came out to support Sun and Hu, with several hundred supporters meeting them at the courthouse to cheer them on.
After the results were announced, Sun vowed to use every legal option available to appeal the verdict. The story has since been reported around the world.
Another court in China is currently hearing a case involving a transgender man who was fired after wearing male clothing while working at Ciming Checkup. Other staff at the health services firm reportedly said he looked ‘‘like a lesbian’’ and might damage the company’s reputation.
Edited by Edward White
Sources:
ABC News
Sacramento Beef
Huffington Post
Boston Globe
Associated Press
The Guardian
USA Today