ENG-2019 — Page 22

Calendar of Events

2019

raised under the programme will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund to finance or refinance public works that provide environmental benefits and support the sustainable development of Hong Kong.

26-Jun 2 Gymnast Shek Wai-Hung clinches two golds in the men's vault events of the International Gymnastics Federation's World Challenge Cup, first in Osijek, Croatia, then a week later in Koper, Slovenia.

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Hong Kong continues to rank second globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2019 published by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development.

June

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The Court of Final Appeal allows the appeal of Mr Leung Chun-kwong, an immigration officer, in a judicial review against decisions denying spousal benefits to his same-sex spouse under the Civil Service Regulations and rejecting their application for joint tax assessment under the Inland Revenue Ordinance. While accepting that the protection of the institution of marriage in Hong Kong, being the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, is a legitimate aim, the court holds that denying Mr Leung the said civil service spousal benefits and tax benefits has no rational connection to achieving the said legitimate aim and unlawfully discriminates him on the grounds of his sexual orientation.

A large march takes place to protest the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The government notes that the march is generally peaceful and orderly. It says the murder of a Hong Kong resident in Taiwan brought into sharper focus deficiencies in dealing with mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the surrender of fugitives, that the bill covers only the most serious crimes punishable by seven years' imprisonment or more, that none of these serious criminal offences relate to the freedom of assembly, of the press, of speech or of academic freedom or publication, and that executive and judicial safeguards built into the system protect all human rights enshrined in the Basic Law and Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and ensure any requests for assistance or surrender are lawful and amenable to challenge and review by the Judiciary up to the Court of Final Appeal.

The free trade agreement between Hong Kong, China and ASEAN enters into force for Hong Kong and five ASEAN member states, namely Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Thousands of protesters gather outside and try to storm the LegCo complex, leading to the suspension of the second reading debate on the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The protest turns violent and police take resolute action to restore law and order.

The Chief Executive announces the suspension of the legislative exercise of the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019. The government pledges to restart communication with all sectors of society and listen to different views with an open mind.

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