News
2005-10-01
Hong Kong
government appeals pro-gay ruling
Hong Kong's
government on Friday appealed a high court ruling striking
down a law that says men younger than 21 should be
j
Hong Kong's
government on Friday appealed a high court ruling striking
down a law that says men younger than 21 should be
jailed for life for engaging in sodomy. The government
waited until the last day of its deadline to appeal
the August 24 legal decision, which gay activists
hailed as a major victory for human rights.
The antigay law
was originally challenged by William Roy Leung, a
20-year-old gay man who argued he should be able to have a
loving relationship without fearing he will be
imprisoned. A government statement said Friday that
"given the significant public concern and the legal
principles involved, the government after careful
consideration has decided to bring an appeal." The
high court ruling caused an uproar among Christian
groups, who have vigorously campaigned against gay
rights.
Leung's lawyer,
Michael Vidler, said Friday, "We are surprised that
the government has chosen to appeal this judgment." He
added, "If the government maintains that Hong Kong is
a world city, then we should start acting like a world
city and stop lagging behind on human rights issues
such as these." (AP)
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