New Chinese Civil Code: Marriage still defined as union between opposite sexes

Despite seeing concerns about and criticisms of such changes from various regions across the country, the Civil Code was passed with 2,879 legislators voting in favor, two voting against, and five abstaining on the last day of the NPC meetings. These voting numbers are similar to the more scrutinized decision on Hong Kong national security legislation, on which 2,878 voted in favor, one voted against, and six abstained. The new civil code will be in place starting from 2021, making it harder for couples to file a divorce or make choices in their marriages.

Meanwhile, long-hoped-for reforms on same-sex marriage were not discussed in the annual legislative meetings, despite having a significant amount of support. The new civil code will continue to use the definition from 1950, which sees marriage as a legal covenant between one man and one woman.

Read: https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/with-new-divorce-rule-china-further-pushes-family-values/