Hong Kong’s highest court has ruled in favor of recognizing same-sex partnerships, including civil unions, but did not grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples. The case was brought by pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham and marked the first time Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal directly addressed the issue of same-sex marriage. While the court found that the government violated its obligation to establish an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, it did not mandate full marriage equality. Hong Kong has seen increasing support for same-sex marriage among its population, with a recent poll indicating 60% in favor.