Taiwan Becomes First Asian Country To Legalize Gay Marriage
Mon. October 27, 2003 12:00 AM by 365gay.com
Taipei -
The government of Taiwan announced Monday that it will bring in legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. It will make the island nation, off the coast of mainland China, the first in Asia to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry.
The legislation is being prepared jointly by the cabinet and the president of Taiwan. In a statement, the government said the new law would be ready for parliamentary review in December.
The bill would give same-sex couples all of the rights currently enjoyed by those in heterosexual marriages, including the right to adopt children.
"The human rights of homosexuals have been gradually recognized by countries around the world," the statement from the presidential office said.
"To protect their rights, people (of the same sex) should have the right to wed and have a family based on their free will," it added.
Under existing adoption rules, gays and lesbians are not considered as prospective parents.
The Taiwan Gay and Lesbian Association hailed the legislation which its officials described as an act of "goodwill" from the government.
"It would be our pleasure to see the development. Basically we are positive towards the goodwill from the government," said Chan Ming-chou, a spokesperson for the TGLA.
©365Gay.com® 2003
The legislation is being prepared jointly by the cabinet and the president of Taiwan. In a statement, the government said the new law would be ready for parliamentary review in December.
The bill would give same-sex couples all of the rights currently enjoyed by those in heterosexual marriages, including the right to adopt children.
"The human rights of homosexuals have been gradually recognized by countries around the world," the statement from the presidential office said.
"To protect their rights, people (of the same sex) should have the right to wed and have a family based on their free will," it added.
Under existing adoption rules, gays and lesbians are not considered as prospective parents.
The Taiwan Gay and Lesbian Association hailed the legislation which its officials described as an act of "goodwill" from the government.
"It would be our pleasure to see the development. Basically we are positive towards the goodwill from the government," said Chan Ming-chou, a spokesperson for the TGLA.
©365Gay.com® 2003
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.