Taiwan approves same-sex marriage

Alandmark decision has been taken by the Taiwanese lawmakers by legalizing same-sexmarriage on Friday, May 17, 2019 also observed as the International Day againstHomophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, thus making Taiwan the first in Asia topass gay marriage legislation.

Taiwan's Constitutional Court in May 2017 said theconstitution allows same-sex marriages and gave Parliament two years to adjustthe laws accordingly. On Friday only a week off the two year deadline thelawmakers in Taiwan's legislature passed the bill thus making the long struggleof the LGBTQIA+ community a reality.

Taiwan's President TsaiIng-wen tweeted: "Today we have a chance to make history and show theworld that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society."

Good morning #Taiwan. Today, we have a chance to make history & show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society.

Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins. pic.twitter.com/PCPZCTi87M

— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) May 17, 2019

Thousands of demonstrators were seen waving the rainbowflag outside the parliament cheering in favor of the landmark decision. Despiteheavy rain in the capital Taipei, around 40,000 supporters were seen bearing rainbowumbrellas, flags and placards in support of marriage equality.