Taiwan approves same-sex marriage

cde.news desk 17 May 2019, 08:42 · 1 min read

epa07577473 Supporters of same-sex marriage gather outside the parliament building as a bill for marriage equality is debated by parliamentarians in Taipei, Taiwan, 17 May 2019. According to news reports, on 24 May, Taiwan could become the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. So far nearly 300 gay and lesbian couples have applied to register for legal union on the day the bill is to come into effect. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

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

Topics Taiwan