Lawmakers’ Gay Games comments ‘regrettable, divisive’

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has hit out at pro-establishment lawmakers for their “divisive” comments about the Gay Games, which organisers plan to hold in Hong Kong next year.

During a discussion in the Legislative Council last week, pro-Beijing councillor Junius Ho said the Gay Games would bring “dirty money” to Hong Kong while Holden Chow from the DAB party warned that hosting the event here could affect social stability.

Without naming names, Lam said the remarks of some lawmakers were regrettable, and suggested they had become “a bit emotional” in expressing their views.

“They are Legislative Council members and they have their own standards that they should abide by,” she said.

“So certainly personally, and as a Chief Executive, I do not condone that sort of remarks by individuals which will unnecessarily divide society and even raise hatred among certain sectors in the community.”

The CE added she sees no problem with the Gay Games, and noted the aim was to promote inclusiveness and diversity.

The discussion in Legco had started with a request that the government assist the games, with New People’s Party chairwoman Regina Ip noting organisers had encountered difficulty in securing venues.

The CE said the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will try its best to assist.