- Title: HSBC’s rainbow lions trigger LGBT rights debate in Hong Kong
- Date: 7th December 2016
- Summary: HONG KONG, CHINA (DECEMBER 7, 2016) (REUTERS) HONG KONG SKYLINE HSBC AND STANDARD CHARTERED BANK BUILDINGS VARIOUS OF HSBC BUILDING VARIOUS OF ARTIST WHO PAINTED RAINBOW LIONS, MICHAEL LAM, LOOKING AT RAINBOW LION (SOUNDBITE) (English) ARTIST WHO PAINTED RAINBOW LIONS, MICHAEL LAM, SAYING: "We want a message about the communion, equality and prosperity, so we want show a different message with people. We hope that everyone will come to take a picture, just share with everyone. We just love. We don't want to fright anything. We just want everyone happy." LIONS AT HSBC BUILDING ENTRANCE VARIOUS OF FAMILY TAKING PHOTO WITH RAINBOW LION RAINBOW LION (SOUNDBITE) (English) FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERNATIONAL PLANNING GROUP, TIM LIM, SAYING: "I personally don't support and I don't advocate the gay movement and all that, but I can appreciate the piece of art here. I think it is very beautifully done. As a city, Hong Kong, we should have this sort of - allowing this sort of diversity in the city we space and people can express themselves freely." VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LOOKING AT RAINBOW LION SIGN READING (English): ''#HSBCPride" RAINBOW LION AND HSBC LOGO HSBC LOGO VARIOUS OF TRADITIONAL HSBC'S ICONIC LION
- Embargoed: 22nd December 2016 15:47
- Keywords: HSBC LGBT LGBT rights gay rights Hong Kong bank
- Location: HONG KONG, CHINA
- City: HONG KONG, CHINA
- Country: Hong Kong
- Reuters ID: LVA0015BVW87H
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A pair rainbow-coloured lions were placed outside HSBC's headquarters in Hong Kong in support of diversity.
The two colourful sculptures, in the shape of the bank's iconic bronze mascot, were created by artist Michael Lam. They are part of HSBC's "Celebrate Pride, Celebrate Unity" campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights.
Lam said he was excited to incorporate elements of 'Feng Shui' (Chinese traditional logic in environmental design), but also the symbols of LGBT rights.
"We want a message about the communion, equality and prosperity, so we want show a different message with people. We hope that everyone will come to take a picture, just share with everyone. We just love. We don't want to fright anything. We just want everyone happy," Lam told Reuters.
The lions have sparked a backlash from conservative sections of Hong Kong society, with some activist groups launching a joint petition against the artworks calling them "disgusting".
One passerby, also a banking professional, said he didn't support gay rights but could appreciate the artworks.
"I personally don't support and I don't advocate the gay movement and all that, but I can appreciate the piece of art here. I think it is very beautifully done. As a city, Hong Kong, we should have this sort of - allowing this sort of diversity in the city we space and people can express themselves freely," said Tim Lim of International Planning Group.
The rainbow lion statues will be on display throughout December.
Hong Kong has no law against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation despite attempts to push through legislation. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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