Civic forces, particularly students, are playing critical roles in advocating for same-sex unions in Taiwan.

The News Lens
Date: 2017/06/11
By: Roman Ziqing Chen

On May 24, Taiwan’s Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Code’s definition of

Photo Credit: REUTERS/達志影像

marriage was unconstitutional. The court stipulated that the Legislative Yuan, the island’s lawmaking body, must amend laws to accommodate same-sex marriage within two years. The decision was the first of its kind in Asia, and the island has been widely applauded for its progressive move toward greater protection of LGBT rights.

This result did not come as a surprise to many people. With a strong reputation for its generally LGBT-friendly environment, Taiwan hosts a vibrant queer scene, from its inclusive nightlife to its annual gay pride parade, from queer grassroots groups to supportive civic organizations.    [FULL  STORY]