Taiwan to unveil draft same-sex marriage law
Special legislation to be enacted to respect the result of referendum, in which voters opposed marriage equality
Taipei — Taiwan’s government says it will propose a draft law to allow same-sex marriage amid a heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the self-ruled island. This is Asia’s first such bill. In November, Taiwanese voters opposed marriage equality in a series of referendums, dealing a blow to the island’s reputation for liberalism in Asia. The public votes defined marriage as between a man and a woman and asked for a special law to be enacted for same-sex unions. The proposed law, presented by Taiwan’s cabinet, would grant same-sex couples the right to marriage, newly appointed premier Su Tseng-chang said on Wednesday. In a move to “respect the result of the referendum”, Taiwan’s existing definition for marriage in civil law would not be altered and a special law would be enacted for same-sex marriage, Su said.
“We belong to the same country regardless of whether you are heterosexual or homosexual,” Su said. “I sincerely hope that everyone could accept difference ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.