CCPL research finds that due to the discriminatory nature of the public housing policy, same-sex couples (LGB individuals) are subjected to an economic penalty of HKD233,539. Findings of the study also suggest that the impugned policy is counter-productive to distributing public housing fairly and efficiently.
The data analysis in this report demonstrates that low-income same-sex couples suffer an
economic penalty as a result of their LGB identities. Owing to the fact that their relationships are
not legally recognized for the purpose of applying for public housing as families, they are
subjected to a longer waiting time of 12 years, during which they have to pay an extra
HKD233,539 for private rental accommodation, when compared to their heterosexual
counterparts. This report estimates that at least 2,772 LGB persons are adversely affected by
the current policy. It is important to note that such a discriminatory policy does not only deny
non-heterosexual couples’ equal access to housing benefits but is also detrimental to
economical and effective distribution of subsidized housing, adversely affecting the Hong
Kong public in general and public residential housing applicants in particular. To download the full report by Elizabeth Lui, click here.
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