Latest news with #CFA
HKFP
2 hours ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Hong Kong leader backs bill granting same-sex couples limited legal rights
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has backed a bill granting limited legal rights to same-sex couples amid opposition from the city's legislature, saying violating the top court's ruling 'will bring serious consequences.' 'The decision made by the [Court of Final Appeal] is final. The government cannot contravene the determination of the CFA and must take appropriate follow-up action,' he said at a weekly press conference on Tuesday. Lee added that the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau had formulated the proposal after thorough research and consideration of legal advice. The bill, which proposes to recognise some legal rights of same-sex partners married abroad, will be introduced to the legislature for its first reading on Wednesday. The proposed framework includes a mechanism to recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnerships or unions registered overseas, but will not allow same-sex partners to marry in Hong Kong. The government earlier this month submitted its proposal ahead of a two-year deadline set by a Court of Final Appeal ruling in September 2023. The judgment was the result of a legal challenge by LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, who recently completed his prison sentence for subversion in Hong Kong's largest national security case. 'Monogamous and heterosexual' Lee on Tuesday said the city's marriage system would remain 'monogamous and heterosexual,' appearing to assuage lawmakers' opposition to the proposal. 'First, lawful marriage in Hong Kong is between one man and one woman – monogamous and heterosexual marriage. Second, the CFA's judgment also affirms that the right to marriage protected under the Basic Law is limited to heterosexual marriage,' Lee said. During a Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting last week, many legislators said the government's framework would upend traditional familial values, while some said that recognising same-sex partnerships registered overseas was functionally the same as allowing same-sex marriage in Hong Kong. As to whether the authorities would consider their obligation to the top court fulfilled if the legislature vetoes the framework, Lee added that the top court ruling 'has the force of law and is legally binding on the government.' 'The government must not act in violation of the court's ruling; otherwise, it will be against the rule of law,' he said, adding that 'violating the law will bring serious consequences.' The government 'will make every effort to facilitate LegCo's scrutiny of the bill… and respect LegCo's final decision,' he added. Meanwhile, activists and advocacy groups have criticised the framework as insufficient for same-sex couples in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Marriage Equality said that the proposal only took a 'minuscule step' towards protecting same-sex relationships. Sham said the proposal did 'unimaginably little' for the 'core rights of partnership,' pointing out that the financial cost of an overseas-registered marriage would also be a barrier for same-sex couples who are not as well-off.
Herald Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
Anglesea Rd closed after truck, van crash at Freshwater Creek
Multiple vehicles, including a van and truck, have been involved in a traffic-stopping accident in Freshwater Creek. It's understood the accident occurred at 7.08am on Tuesday at the corner of Dickins and Anglesea roads, outside the Freshwater Creek General Store. In CCTV footage from the general store, a small car driving through the intersection on Dickins Rd can be seen to clip the side of a Ford Transit Van travelling down Anglesea Rd. The van visibly loses control, spinning out towards the oncoming traffic where it is hit by a slow-moving truck carrying a bob cat. A store employee said he had heard a loud bang from inside. 'Lucky they're all okay,' he said. 'That's why it's 60km here.' The van's passenger side windscreen and door was crushed by the collision. It's understood no one was injured in the crash. A CFA spokeswoman said firefighters were called to clear debris from the road. Police attended the scene. Traffic in the area came to a halt as Anglesea Rd was closed, and remained slowed until approximately 9am. Originally published as Anglesea Rd closed after truck, van crash at Freshwater Creek
RTHK
7 hours ago
- Politics
- RTHK
'Govt can't go against court on same-sex recognition'
'Govt can't go against court on same-sex recognition' Chief Executive John Lee says the government will assist lawmakers in scrutinising a bill on a framework to recognise same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong. File photo: RTHK The government is obliged to draw up an official framework to legally recognise same-sex partnerships in Hong Kong following a landmark ruling by the top court, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. But he added, ahead of the Executive Council meeting, that authorities would respect the final decision of the legislature on whether to approve or reject the bill on the legal framework. The administration has proposed that same-sex couples be allowed to register under a mechanism to recognise their unions in response to the decision of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), which has been met with strong opposition from lawmakers. "The CFA's ruling has the force of law, and it's legally binding on the government," Lee said. "The government must not act in violation of the court's ruling. Otherwise, it'll be against the rule of law. "The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's economy, investor confidence and its long-established success. Violating the rule of law will mean serious consequences." A lawful union in Hong Kong is between a man and woman, Lee said, adding that the court's ruling affirmed that the right to marriage protected under the Basic Law is limited to heterosexual marriages. Lee also noted that the Legislative Council is responsible for scrutinising, amending and voting to pass or reject bills introduced by the authorities. "The government will make every effort to facilitate Legco's scrutiny of the bill introduced by [the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau], assist Legco in completing the scrutiny expeditiously, and respect Legco's final decision," he said.
Business Upturn
a day ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
SBI Cards appoints Krishna Kant Bishnoi as Chief Risk Officer
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 14, 2025, 16:25 IST SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd. on Monday, July 14, announced the appointment of Krishna Kant Bishnoi as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO), effective immediately. The decision was approved by the company's Board of Directors at its meeting held on the same day. Bishnoi succeeds Shantanu Srivastava, who resigned from the post earlier this month on July 9. With over 31 years of experience in banking and financial services, Bishnoi has held leadership positions across credit risk management, retail and corporate lending, SME credit, treasury, and international banking. He holds an MBA in Banking and Finance, is FRM-certified, and has completed CAIIB, PGDFA, and CFA Level II qualifications. In the same meeting, the Board also approved the appointment of M/s Agarwal S. & Associates, a Delhi-based firm of Company Secretaries, as the Secretarial Auditor of the company for five financial years from FY26 to FY30. The appointment is subject to shareholders' approval. M/s Agarwal S. & Associates, founded in 2003, serves a diverse clientele including listed entities, multinational companies, and public sector undertakings. These appointments are part of SBI Cards' ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance and risk management framework. Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the company's regulatory filing and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Please refer to official filings and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Massive News for Rigetti Stock Investors!
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