Both anti- and pro- same-sex marriage groups are urging chief executive hopeful Carrie Lam to clarify her stance on the city’s contentious issue of same sex marriage.

Earlier this month, Lam said on a Commercial Radio programme that she would “not rule out consultation” on gay marriages.

“But if the time is not ripe for legislation and we still push for it, then this may trigger a backlash against gay people who will face hostility and discrimination,” she argued.

A spokesperson for Carrie Lam, however, later said that the remarks were just “out of courtesy.”

“We already replied to the group that Mrs Lam has no intention to push for same-sex marriages. When there is no social consensus, it will only further divide society,” he told the South China Morning Post.

Brian Leung Siu-fai from Hong Kong gay rights group Big Love Alliance said Lam was being hypocritical and misleading the public.

“How can she expect people to trust her? She lacks integrity. This issue should not be avoided,” he said.