Taiwan holds its breath as it awaits the verdict of the Constitutional Court hearing on same-sex marriage tomorrow.

The News Lens
Date: 2017/05/23
By: ZiQing Low

Taiwan’s highest court is set to make a landmark ruling tomorrow on whether the country’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

The Constitutional Court, also known as the Council of Grand Justices, began public hearings on March 24, after cases were brought to the court by long-time LGBT rights activist Chi Chia-wei (祁家威) and the Taipei City Government.

Chi petitioned for the case to be heard when his attempt to register his marriage with his partner in 2013 was rejected. The Taipei City government presented a petition due to growing requests for same-sex marriage.

The hearing saw supporters and opponents debate whether Taiwan’s Civil Code allows same-sex marriage. Currently, Article 972 of the Civil Code states, “An agreement to marry shall be made by the male and the female parties in their own [con]cord.” Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that this article does not limit marriage to one male and one female.    [FULL  STORY]