In a groundbreaking vote, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on May 17th. The decision comes two years after Taiwan passed the constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry reports BBC. The ruling comes just a week before the deadline to make a decision on May 24th.
Thousands gathered in Taipei anxiously awaiting the ruling.
Taipei's pouring rain can’t stop people from showing their supports of same-sex marriage. #taiwan pic.twitter.com/yIYggXsKc3
— Silva Shih 史書華 (@silvashih) May 17, 2019
Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen tweeted early on Friday:
Good morning #Taiwan. Today, we have a chance to make history & show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society.
Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins.
Good morning #Taiwan. Today, we have a chance to make history & show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society.
Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins. pic.twitter.com/PCPZCTi87M
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) May 17, 2019
Last November, 72% of the country voted against same-sex marriage in a referendum, but this did not interfere with the court’s decision for the vote.
Parliament voted between several bills that define same-sex marriage in different ways. One bill proposed a “same-sex familial relationship,” with partners being called “same-sex family members.” The other bill aimed to call same-sex marriage a “same-sex union” with partners referred to as “domestic partners.”
The bill will officially recognize same-sex unions as marriages, just as they do with heterosexual couples, and define partners as spouses.
The bill will also allow same-sex couples to adopt each other’s biological children, but will not give the right to adopt non-biological children.
Same-sex marriages will begin being performed on May 24th. Over 200 couples have reportedly already registered to be married on that day.
Congratulations to Taiwan and all their LGBTQ+ citizens! May other Asian countries follow suit very soon!
Read also:
At least 157 couples to wed on first day of same-sex marriage in Taiwan
