Similarly, while same-sex marriage is prohibited in Hong Kong, the law recognises overseas marriages for tax purposes and allows Hongkongers to apply for dependant visas for their same-sex spouses. Transnational couples, whether straight or gay, typically face daunting immigration and legal hurdles, especially if the parties met online and live in different countries they’ve flocked to Utah to take advantage of its flexibility.Īccording to the Guardian, pandemic restrictions in China have made it difficult for visitors to enter or citizens to leave the country, and Utah marriages have enabled some overseas reunions via spousal visas for the China-based partners. It has become the legal venue of choice for gay couples from around the world, the Guardian explains in its report.Īfter Covid-19 forced closure of physical offices, Utah County, where Provo is located, began encouraging virtual weddings. The answer lies in a legal quirk: Utah has no residency or citizenship requirements for marriage licences, and Provo, the state’s fourth-largest city, allows online international marriages. Usually, the witnesses are Americans too – even if the official couple is sitting miles away.Īccording to a report by Rest of World, approximately 200 Chinese LGBTQ+ couples have married in Utah since 2021, though the number could be higher. The marriages, conducted on the online video conferencing platform Zoom, are done by licensed marriage officiants sitting in Utah. Eager to solemnise their bond, and unable to do so in their own country, the couples are looking to Utah – which can provide them with a ‘marriage license’, due to a legal quirk. For gay couples living in China, the Republican US city of Utah has come as a blessing.
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