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10/01/05-10/03/05

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 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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