How Taiwan Became the First in Asia To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage | Rainbow Guide to Life

Same-sex marriage became legal in Taiwan in May 24, 2019, after decades of advocacy by the LGBTQ community. The bill establishes limited legal rights for same-sex couples in terms of taxes, insurance and adoption. This landmark decision makes the self-ruled island the first place in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation.

But gay marriage is divisive in Taiwan, and the marriage equality bill is still incomplete. More than a year after the marriage equality bill was passed, LGBTQ rights groups are now calling for a full legal recognition for same-sex couples and queer families. Currently, transnational same-sex couples cannot marry in Taiwan unless both countries recognize same-sex marriage. LGBTQ couples also do not yet have the rights for surrogacy.

VICE World News speaks with veteran gay rights activist, Chi Chia-Wei, who has been lobbying for marriage equality as early as 1986, and other same-sex couples whose lives have been impacted by the legalization of queer marriages.

@5:26 - Due to an error introduced during editing, this story originally spelled President Tsai Ing-Wen's name as "Tasi Ing-Wen." The correct spelling is Tsai Ing-Wen. We regret the error.

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