Taiwan set to become the first country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage

Taiwan’s highest court has ruled in favour of gay marriage, making it the first country in Asia to do so.

The Taiwanese parliament was given two years to amend existing laws or pass new ones. They are expected to legalise same-sex marriage or introduce new civil partnership laws.

Although Taiwan is known for its liberal values and huge gay pride festival, current laws still dictate that same-sex couples are not allowed to marry.

Today’s court ruling stated that legislation disallowing gay couples from marrying were unconstitutional and violated people’s rights to equality.

“Such different treatment is incompatible with the spirit and meaning of the right to equality,” a press release stated.

The landmark decision comes at a time when the LGBT community in the region is being increasingly targeted. Two men in nearby Indonesia were recently caned after being caught having sex.

Until now, same-sex marriages were a Western privilege with most Eastern countries criminalising the practice. Homosexuality itself is still punishable by death in 13 countries across the globe.

Despite the good news, the public are fearful that gay people in Taiwan will not be given full equality. Calls are being made for all individuals in the country to receive the same treatment when it comes to areas such as adoption.

As expected, certain religious groups have already launched a campaign against the ruling, arguing that such an issue should be decided by the people, not the courts.

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