Taiwan is the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage.
A vote giving same-sex couples full legal marriage rights took place today. That includes areas like taxes, insurance and child custody.
Taiwan has been accepting of gay and lesbian relationships since the 1990s when the Democratic Progressive Party began championing the cause.
Shiau Hong-chi, professor of gender studies and communications management at Shih-Hsin University in Taiwan said:
“It’s a breakthrough, I have to say so. I could not imagine that this could happen in just a few years.
Meanwhile, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter:
“Hurrah! #Taiwan leads the way in #Asia on #LGBT rights, cementing its laudable record as an increasingly progressive, rights respecting government amid growing authoritarianism and rights abuses in other countries throughout the region. Kudos to activists for this victory!”
Hurrah! #Taiwan leads the way in #Asia on #LGBT rights, cementing its laudable record as an increasingly progressive, rights respecting government amid growing authoritarianism and rights abuses in other countries throughout the region. Kudos to activists for this victory! @hrw pic.twitter.com/uqJSEEuDXy
— Phil Robertson (@Reaproy) May 17, 2019
Thousands of people turned out to demonstrate on the morning of the vote, carrying placards reading “the vote cannot fail”.
A group of around 50 turned out to protest passing the vote.
In May 2017, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court said that the nation’s constitution would allow for same sex marriage. Parliament was given two years to adjust its laws accordingly,
China claims Taiwan to be its own territory, however Taiwan is a self-governing democracy.
Whilst China remains conservative under the Communist Party, Taiwan is dedicated to promoting rights for sexual and ethnic minorities, women, and those with disabilities.
In November 2018, Taiwanese voters rejected same-sex marriage in a referendum.
