Taiwan’s Parliament approves same sex marriage

Taiwan’s Parliament has become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in a landmark decision passed today.

Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered despite heavy rain near Taipei’s parliament. Picture: Chiang Ying-ying/AP

Taiwan’s Parliament has become the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in a landmark decision passed today.

Despite a last-minute attempt by conservatives to pass a watered-down version, the island’s Government pushed the law through.

Taiwan’s politicians comfortably passed a law allowing same-sex couples to form “exclusive permanent unions” and a second clause that would let them apply for a “marriage registration” with government agencies.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen signalled her support for the LGBT community before becoming president in 2016. But since then, she has remained largely silent on the issue … until now. Picture: Chiang Ying-ying/AP

The vote is a major victory for the state’s LGBT community, who have campaigned for years to have equal marriage rights as heterosexual couples.

The law also places the island at the vanguard of Asia’s burgeoning gay rights movement.

“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,” tweeted Taiwan’s Predident, Tsai Ing-wen. “Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins.”

The controversial outcome could have long-lasting consequences for the President, who faces an uphill battle for re-election, even from within her own party.

The people have spoken out in firm support of the same-sex marriage. The signs read ''Vote Can't Be Defeated.'' Picture: AP/Chiang Ying-ying

In recent months conservatives had mobilised to rid the law of any reference to marriage, instead putting forward rival bills that offered something closer to limited same-sex unions. But those bills struggled to receive enough votes.

Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered despite heavy rain near Taipei’s parliament as a mammoth legislative debate got under way overran issue that has bitterly divided the island.

Same-sex couples will legally have the right to marry later this month, and more than 200 same-sex couples have registered to marry on May 24, the Taipei-based Apple Daily reported.