It is ‘imperative’ to pass the same-sex marriage law during this parliamentary session, writes Jason Hsu, Kuomintang legislator-at-large.

The News Lens
Date: 2016/11/14
By: Jason Hsu

Since I took office in February as a legislator-at-large, I have made a commitment to pass a same-sex

Photo Credit: Reuters / 達志影像

marriage bill. I believe Taiwan, as a democratic society, represents progressive thinking in this regard. I understand, in the past, the LGBT issue has often be used on the political agenda to divide the public opinion. Taiwan’s election cycle is quite fast – we hold general elections once every two years. Therefore, it is imperative to pass the same-sex marriage during this parliamentary session.

I made a speech in the Legislative Yuan on Oct. 25, urging the parliament to pass a bill enabling same-sex marriage. The speech went viral on the Internet. I called on Taiwan to become the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. On Oct. 27, I submitted my own version of the bill, amending Civil Law Article 972 and 973 to give same-sex married couples equal rights on “family and inheritance.” I do not believe in creating a provisional law that singles out the LGBT community, for it is important to have an equal footing for same-sex and different-sex groups.    [FULL  STORY]