Taiwan's Parliament Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, A First In Asia
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan's Parliament Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, A First In Asia

NPR  

Taiwan's Parliament Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage, A First In Asia Enlarge this image toggle caption Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images Taiwan's parliament approved a bill on Friday that legalizes same-sex marriage, making it the first place in Asia to do so. The island's Constitutional Court ruled in 2017 that Taiwanese laws prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying violated their personal freedom and equal protection – and gave the government two years to come up with a legal framework to comply with the decision. The court's 2017 ruling sparked a public backlash, putting pressure on the government to hold a referendum on whether the people approved of gay marriage. "Taiwan leads the way in Asia on LGBT rights, cementing its laudable record as an increasingly progressive, rights respecting government amid growing authoritarianism and rights abuses in other countries throughout the region.

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History of this topic

A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
2 months, 1 week ago

A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional

LA Times  

Representatives of Japanese LGBTQ+ people and rights groups pose for photographers during a news conference in Tokyo. A second Japanese high court ruled Wednesday that the government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality. The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on …

Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The king of Thailand has …

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change

Deccan Chronicle  

On June 18, Thailand made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality law, recognising same-sex couples. According to a 2015 opinion poll, 89 per cent of Thais said they would accept a colleague who is gay or lesbian, 80 per cent would not mind if a family member was LGBT, and 59 per cent …

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thailand has become the first …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of …

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage

Al Jazeera  

Thailand’s Senate has passed the marriage equality bill, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage. “Thailand has taken a historic step towards becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage for LGBTQI couples,” Amnesty International’s Thailand researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said in a statement. “We are very proud to …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage

LA Times  

Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of Representatives right …

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill
9 months ago

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

The bill is likely to become law soon, but activists and those from the LGBTQ community say more work needs to be done. Bangkok, Thailand – Thanadech Jandee is thrilled that Thailand’s marriage equality bill, allowing same-sex couples to marry, is moving closer to becoming law. “It’s a cause for celebration,” Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a Thailand human rights associate at Fortify …

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill
9 months, 1 week ago

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill

Live Mint  

Thailand’s lawmakers passed a legislation to recognize same-sex marriage, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to guarantee marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. “We seek to return to them the rights that they have lost.” The landmark legislation seeks to formally change the composition of a marriage from “a man and a …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalise equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and …

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill passed its final reading with the approval of 400 of the 415 members of the House of Representatives who were …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Lawmakers in Thailand’s lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage …

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

Pending final approval, bill will cement Thai credentials among Asia’s most liberal societies on LGBTQ issues. Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise equal marriage after politicians passed a same-sex marriage bill. “We did this for all Thai people to reduce disparity in society and start creating equality.” The legislation would change references to “men”, …

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage

The Diplomat  

On November 29, Nepal registered its first same-sex marriage between Ram Bahadur Gurung and Surendra Pandey. The registration occurred in Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung district after the Supreme Court issued an interim order to register same-sex marriages and keep temporary marriage records. In 2007, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to recognize a third gender category, audit all laws …

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law
1 year, 1 month ago

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law

Al Jazeera  

If passed by parliament, Thailand would be first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and only the second in Asia, after Taiwan. Last week the cabinet of the Thai government endorsed a bill that would amend the country’s Civil and Commercial Code to define marriage as between any two “individuals”. “It’s just only to give the liberty and …

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples
1 year, 7 months ago

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples

Hindustan Times  

Taiwan's parliament passed an amendment on Tuesday allowing gay couples to jointly adopt children, a move hailed by activists as "another big step forward" for marriage equality. While individuals in Taiwan were allowed to adopt regardless of sexual orientation, those in same-sex marriages could not both be legal parents unless the child was one partner's biological offspring. "After four years …

SC refers petitions on same-sex marriage to Constitution bench
1 year, 9 months ago

SC refers petitions on same-sex marriage to Constitution bench

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi The Supreme Court on Monday decided that a batch of petitions demanding legal validation for same-sex marriages will be decided by a Constitution bench even as the Union government, while opposing the plea, said that the apex court now carries the “grave responsibility” of determining how society will be shaped in future. A three-judge bench, led by Chief …

Same-sex marriage: Will India become 2nd Asian nation to recognise it
1 year, 9 months ago

Same-sex marriage: Will India become 2nd Asian nation to recognise it

Live Mint  

LGBTQ rights in India have expanded in recent years and, if the current case in Supreme Court goes in favour of the petitioners then the country will become only the second Asian jurisdiction after Taiwan to recognise same-sex unions. Last year, the Supreme Court offered a hint at how the case might go, expanding the definition of a family to …

Japan's main opposition party submits bill to parliament to approve same-sex marriage
1 year, 10 months ago

Japan's main opposition party submits bill to parliament to approve same-sex marriage

Firstpost  

Japan is the only Group of Seven nation that does not recognise same-sex marriage and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has come under increasing scrutiny over LGBTQ protections in recent weeks Tokyo, Japan: Japan’s main opposition party submitted a bill to parliament Monday to approve same-sex marriage, hoping to pile pressure on the government before the country hosts the G7 summit …

Glimmer of hope: On rights of same-sex couples
2 years ago

Glimmer of hope: On rights of same-sex couples

The Hindu  

In a welcome move, the Supreme Court has transferred to itself petitions pending in several High Courts seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Petitioners are looking for an authoritative ruling legalising same-sex marriage, especially on the question of whether it will be brought within the ambit of the Special Marriage Act of 1954, which allows a civil marriage for couples …

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?
2 years, 3 months ago

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?

Hindustan Times  

Cubans have voted overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage, making the country the 33rd to stop defining marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman. Here is a global overview of same-sex marriage and surrogacy: - Europe, gay marriage pioneers - The Netherlands in 2001 became the first country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry. But …

End of gay sex ban a small step for Singapore’s LGBTQ+ couples
2 years, 4 months ago

End of gay sex ban a small step for Singapore’s LGBTQ+ couples

Live Mint  

Singapore's decision to lift a colonial-era ban on sex between men is long overdue and will not end discrimination of LGBT groups in the city-state, rights activists and members of the gay community have said. "It's just a small, little step," Andre Ling, 44, said from his home in Singapore where he lives with his Australian husband and their two-year-old …

End of Singapore's gay sex-ban is small step in Asia-Pacific
2 years, 4 months ago

End of Singapore's gay sex-ban is small step in Asia-Pacific

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Although many places have decriminalized sexual acts between people of the same …

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law
2 years, 4 months ago

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law

Firstpost  

“Private sexual behavior between consenting adults does not raise any law and order issue. Kuala Lumpur: Singapore will decriminalise sex between men by repealing a colonial-era law but will amend the constitution to ensure same-sex marriage is not allowed, the city-state’s leader said Sunday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he believed repealing the law is the “right thing to …

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional
2 years, 6 months ago

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional

Associated Press  

TOKYO — A Japanese court ruled Monday that the country’s ban on same-sex marriage does not violate the constitution, and rejected demands for compensation by three couples who said their right to free union and equality has been violated. The Osaka District Court ruling is the second decision on the issue, and disagrees with a ruling last year by a …

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional
2 years, 6 months ago

Japan court says ban on same-sex marriage constitutional

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Japanese court ruled Monday …

Same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional: Japan court
2 years, 6 months ago

Same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional: Japan court

India Today  

An Osaka court on Monday ruled that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage was not "unconstitutional", dealing a setback to LGBTQ rights activists in the only Group of Seven nation that doesn't allow people of the same gender to marry. The ruling dashes activists' hopes of raising pressure on Japan's government to address the issue after a Sapporo court in March …

Tokyo to recognize same-sex unions but not as legal marriage
2 years, 7 months ago

Tokyo to recognize same-sex unions but not as legal marriage

The Hindu  

Japan's capital has announced it will start recognizing same-sex partnerships to ease the burdens faced by residents in their daily lives, but the unions will not be considered legal marriages. Japan does not legally recognize same-sex marriages, and LGBTQ people often face discrimination at school, work and at home, causing many to hide their sexual identities. Tokyo's Shibuya district in …

Tokyo to recognize same-sex unions but not as legal marriage
2 years, 7 months ago

Tokyo to recognize same-sex unions but not as legal marriage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Japan's capital has announced it …

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?
3 years, 9 months ago

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?

Firstpost  

By David Crary and Mike Corder Twenty years ago, just after the stroke of midnight on 1 April, the mayor of Amsterdam married four couples in City Hall as the Netherlands became the first country in the world with legalised same-sex marriages. The pairs were among four couples to get married under a new law which took effect April 1, …

Two lesbian couples married in Taiwan mass military wedding for first time
4 years, 2 months ago

Two lesbian couples married in Taiwan mass military wedding for first time

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two lesbian couples in Taiwan …

Two same-sex couples in military marry in first for Taiwan
4 years, 2 months ago

Two same-sex couples in military marry in first for Taiwan

Associated Press  

TAOYUAN, Taiwan — Two lesbian couples tied the knot in a mass wedding held by Taiwan’s military on Friday in a historic celebration with their peers. The mass wedding with 188 couples was the first time same-sex couples have been wed and celebrated at a military ceremony. “Perhaps for heterosexual couples, it’s just a paper, but it’s very important for …

Tsai Ing-wen 2.0
4 years, 7 months ago

Tsai Ing-wen 2.0

The Diplomat  

On January 11, President Tsai Ing-wen’s re-election ended her rocky first term as Taiwan’s leader on a high note. Tsai’s first term saw many highlights: same-sex marriage legislation finally passed, a formal apology was offered to indigenous Taiwanese on behalf of Taiwan’s government for the first time, and the New Southbound Policy was mildly successful in reducing Taiwan’s economic reliance …

Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan holds first gay marriages in historic day for Asia

The Hindu  

Taiwan made history on Friday with Asia's first legal gay weddings as same-sex couples tied the knot in jubilant and emotional scenes, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality. The weddings, which came a week after lawmakers took the unprecedented decision to legalise gay marriage despite staunch conservative opposition, places Taiwan at the vanguard of the burgeoning gay rights …

Taiwan holds first official same-sex weddings
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan holds first official same-sex weddings

Al Jazeera  

Some 300 same-sex couples are expected to register on Friday, a week after parliament approved gay marriage legislation. In a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia, Taiwan has held its first official gay marriage registrations a week after the self-ruled island’s parliament legalised same-sex weddings. Conservative lawmakers put forward rival bills that offered something closer to limited same-sex unions …

Taiwan celebrates same-sex marriages after becoming first country in Asia to legalise them
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan celebrates same-sex marriages after becoming first country in Asia to legalise them

India Today  

One week ago, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalise same-sex weddings. Last week in the Taipei region of Taiwan a lot of people got together in the Xinyi District Household Registration office to see history being written as one after the other same-sex couples arrived to officially register their unions. The excitement peaked to such a level that …

Taiwan approves same-sex marriage in first for Asia, news trends in China
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan approves same-sex marriage in first for Asia, news trends in China

India TV News  

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan's legislature voted Friday to legalize same-sex marriage, a first in Asia and a boost for LGBT rights activists who had championed the cause for two decades. Taiwan's Constitutional Court in May 2017 said the constitution allows same-sex marriages and gave parliament two years to adjust laws accordingly. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, …

Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage

The Quint  

Taipei, May 17 Taiwan's Parliament on Friday legalized same-sex marriage following a vote, a landmark decision that makes the self-ruled island the first in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation. On Friday, lawmakers debated three different bills to legalize same-sex unions - the most progressive of which was passed. The two other bills, submitted by conservative lawmakers, refer to partnerships …

Taiwan’s parliament approves same-sex marriage legislation
5 years, 7 months ago

Taiwan’s parliament approves same-sex marriage legislation

Al Jazeera  

Taiwan‘s parliament has legalised same-sex marriage in a landmark vote that made the self-ruled island the first in Asia to adopt such legislation. The lawmakers comfortably passed a law on Friday, 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. Hundreds of gay rights supporters …

Same-Sex Couples Sue For The Right To Marry In Japan
5 years, 10 months ago

Same-Sex Couples Sue For The Right To Marry In Japan

NPR  

Same-Sex Couples Sue For The Right To Marry In Japan Enlarge this image toggle caption Christopher Jue/Getty Images Christopher Jue/Getty Images Thirteen same-sex couples have filed a lawsuit in Japan arguing that the country's rejection of same-sex marriage violates their constitutional rights. While no laws on the books technically prohibit same-sex marriage, Japan's government has interpreted the constitution's marriage provisions …

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