Taiwan approves same-sex marriage

Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday, as thousands of demonstrators outside parliament cheered and waved rainbow flags, despite deep divisions over marriage equality.

Taiwan’s parliament rejected last-ditch attempts by conservative lawmakers to push a watered-down “civil-union” law.

In 2017, the island’s constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry. Parliament was given a two-year deadline and was required to pass the changes by 24 May.

Lawmakers debated three different bills to legalise same-sex unions – the government’s bill – the most progressive of the three was passed. Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered in the rain outside the court building in the capital, Taipei, to await the landmark ruling.

Via The Guardian / BBC / Reuters