A well-known Hong Kong billionaire has offered $65m to any man able to woo and marry his lesbian daughter. Property and shipping tycoon Cecil Chao initiated his husband recruitment after reports emerged that his daughter had wed her long-term girlfriend. However, Mr Chao has contradicted this rumor, assuring that his daughter is still single and in need of a "good husband."
Although homosexuality was de-criminalized in 1991, same-sex unions are still not recognized in Hong Kong.
Businesswoman and graduate from the University of Manchester, Gigi Chao is said to have married her female partner of seven years, Sean Eav, in a ceremony in France. However, her father has rejected this claim as false and added that his generous offer had already generated many replies from potential suitors.
The reason why Mr Chao won't accept this union is due to social reasons. "My father thinks it is worth the money as a matter of social standing," said Gigi.
"It is an inducement to attract someone who has the talent but not the capital to start his own business," Mr Chao said. "I don't mind whether he is rich or poor. The important thing is that he is generous and kind-hearted."
"Gigi is a very good woman with both talents and looks," he added. "She is devoted to her parents, is generous and does volunteer work."
Despite his public recruitment for a husband, Mr Chao insisted he would not force his daughter to marry a man against her will.
Meanwhile, Gigi confessed she found her father's plan entertaining but would not worry about it until an actual suitor had been found.
Cecil Chao has since withdrawn the offer saying he "respects her choice" after his daughters letter asking him to accept her for who she is. We certainly do and wish her all the best. People should be free to love who they want to love.
Cecil Chao has since been busy on Faith in Love. Compassionate unconditional giving. A charity serving underprivileged youth and families.