Connect with us

News

Hong Kong’s Top Court Rules In Favor Of Recognizing Same-Sex Partnerships In 1st Landmark Case

Published

on

same-sex

(HONG KONG) — In a major ruling for the city’s Same-sex, LGBTQ+ population, Hong Kong’s top court ruled on Tuesday that the government should establish a framework for recognizing same-sex couples.

The verdict did not offer same-sex couples full marriage rights, but it was a partial triumph for Jimmy Sham, a prominent pro-democracy activist who had battled a five-year legal battle over the recognition of same-sex marriage registered outside.

Sham married his husband in New York in 2013, claiming that Hong Kong’s rules, which prohibit overseas same-sex marriage, violated his fundamental right to equality.

Equality campaigners said the decision was a step forward that will have a significant impact on the lives of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the financial hub’s reputation as a welcoming location to stay and work.

The Supreme Court’s judges ruled unanimously in a written decision that the government is in breach of its positive commitment to develop an alternative structure for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, such as registered civil partnerships or civil unions.

“The absence of legal recognition of their relationship is apt to disrupt and demean their private lives together in ways that constitute arbitrary interference,” wrote Justice Patrick Keane.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s top court ruled that the government should establish a framework for recognizing same-sex couples.

The court postponed its two-year declaration to provide the administration time to meet its obligations.

However, the judges unanimously rejected Sham’s final appeal on other grounds concerning same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex partnerships.

Hong Kong only recognizes same-sex marriage for taxation, civil service benefits, and dependant visas. In recent years, many of the government’s concessions have been obtained through court battles, and the city has experienced a growing popular acceptance of same-sex marriage.

According to a report released in May by scholars at The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the University of North Carolina School of Law, surveys revealed that 60% of respondents support same-sex marriage in 2023, up from 38% in 2013.

Sham’s lawyer, Karon Monaghan, said in a prior hearing that the absence of same-sex marriage in Hong Kong gave the impression that it is less deserving of recognition than heterosexual weddings.

According to Jerome Yau, co-founder of the non-governmental organization Hong Kong Marriage Equality, the verdict clearly states that same-sex partnerships need some recognition and will benefit Hong Kong’s reputation.

“We believe that this judgement will go a long way towards attracting young talent to come to Hong Kong to work and live,” he said.

Hong Kong’s top court ruled on Tuesday that the government should establish a framework for recognizing same-sex couples.

Travis Chow, a Hong Kong resident with a same-sex partner, said he had pondered about their future, but the decision pushed him to seriously consider staying in Hong Kong in the long run.

“This is absolutely happy and encouraging,” he remarked.

According to gender studies researcher Suen Yiu-tong at Chinese University, the court verdict was a significant step towards equality for Asia’s LGBTQ+ community. On the other hand, Suen stated that he was upset that the court did not recognize same-sex marriage.

Sham has been detained after being accused under a national security measure implemented by Beijing in the aftermath of major pro-democracy rallies in 2019. As part of a crackdown on dissent in the former British colony, the law has been used to imprison and silence numerous other pro-democracy campaigners.

Sham was the former convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front, which was well-known for years for organizing the yearly protest march on the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to the Chinese administration on July 1, 1997.

The group also organized some of the city’s largest political protests in 2019, but it was abolished in 2021 under the shadow of the security bill.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

News

King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties

Published

on

Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.

The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.

Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.

Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.

According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.

Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.

The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”

Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.

All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.

The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.

Continue Reading

News

Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer

Published

on

Clayman in his Grinch costume poses with his Candy Cane Car

In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.

Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.

It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.

This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.

“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.

The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.

The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000

To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.

The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.

Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.

“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.

Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.

“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”

Related News:

Costco Is Offering The Peloton Bike+ At 300 Locations This Holiday Season.

Continue Reading

News

Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote

Published

on

Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.

The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.

These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.

The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.

This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”

In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.

In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.

A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.

As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”

In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.

These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.

This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.

In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.

A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.

According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.

Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.

“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.

In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.

She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”

SOURCE: FR

SEE ALSO:

The Federal Reserve Will Drop Key Rates, But Consumers May Not Gain Immediately.

Canadian Dollar Hits Multi-Year Low Over Political Unrest

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version