Photo: Members of Hong Kong's LGBT community say goodbye to Michael Lam's pride and unity lions. (Credit: Abby Lee)

A leading anti-gay activist has criticised HSBC over its refusal to meet to discuss its pair of multicoloured lions symbolising support for LGBT rights outside its Hong Kong headquarters.

Roger Wong Wai-ming and his group The Family School Sexual Orientation Discrimination Ordinance Concern Group organised a petition and held a demonstration against the lions which have been on display since Nov. 30.

He told South China Morning Post that HSBC's refusal to meet to discuss the lions, was "hijacking the freedom of conscience of its shareholders." Their response was "arrogant" and "unacceptable," he said.

In a company letter to Wong, HSBC said it "respects everyone's right to express their views on the Pride and Unity lions as well as our diversity and inclusion policies."

"We are committed to serving the needs of all our customers, and the wider community, in Hong Kong and wherever we operate," it added.