In historic first for Asia, Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage
Sun. May 19, 2019 8:09 AM by Carlos Santoscoy
Chicago, IL -
Lawmakers in Taiwan on Friday approved a bill legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples.
Passage makes Taiwan the first nation in Asia with same-sex marriage.
Roughly two years ago, Taiwan's Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry and gave parliament two years to amend or enact new marriage laws.
The legislation goes into effect on May 24.
Conservatives campaigned against passage. Last year, a majority (67%) of voters rejected same-sex marriage.
Lawmakers considered three bills. Two favored by conservatives would extend civil unions to same-sex couples, rather than marriage.
While lawmakers approved a bill that includes the word "marriage," it does not extend adoption rights to same-sex couples.
In a tweet, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen called passage "a big step towards true equality" that makes "Taiwan a better country."
Passage makes Taiwan the first nation in Asia with same-sex marriage.
Roughly two years ago, Taiwan's Constitutional Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry and gave parliament two years to amend or enact new marriage laws.
The legislation goes into effect on May 24.
Conservatives campaigned against passage. Last year, a majority (67%) of voters rejected same-sex marriage.
Lawmakers considered three bills. Two favored by conservatives would extend civil unions to same-sex couples, rather than marriage.
While lawmakers approved a bill that includes the word "marriage," it does not extend adoption rights to same-sex couples.
In a tweet, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen called passage "a big step towards true equality" that makes "Taiwan a better country."
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine