Taiwan was praised for its progressive steps towards marriage equality — but the process has stalled.
The News Lens
Date: 2017/12/01
By: Jennifer Creery
“Imagine not being allowed to marry the person you love. Now add 13 years to it.”
Credit: Yang Jing-wei (楊精偉)
This is the case for Jason, who moved from Canada to Taiwan in 1999, where he met his partner. At the time it would have been unthinkable to embrace his partner in the street.
Things now are not entirely different now. Jason explains that even the smallest displays of affection such as holding his partner’s hand in public is still an uncomfortable experience. “Think of the added stress of having to hide your authentic self,” he said.
“This is life in our community. I just want to be married to the man I love.”
Credit: Jennifer CreeryIt’s easier to be openly gay than it was even a few years ago.
His hopes could soon become a reality in Taiwan, making it the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. But for many couples frustrated by the lack of legislative progress, this day cannot come quickly enough. “We want to have a child one day and my biological clock is ticking,” said Jason. “It is a basic human instinct that you have to suppress.” [FULL STORY]
