Thousands march in Taiwan for same-sex marriage
Taipei's 11th annual Gay Pride march takes place as the parliament in Taiwan prepares to review the law covering same-sex marriages
Tens of thousands of people rallied in Taiwan on Saturday in Asia’s largest gay parade, organisers said, as the island’s parliament was set to review a bill on same-sex marriages.
Video: Thousands march in Taiwan for same-sex marriage
Holding rainbow flags, colourful placards and balloons, participants from Taiwan, several Asian countries, the United States and Europe marched the streets in a bustling business district in Taipei for the 11th annual parade, organisers said.
“This year’s theme is ‘The voice of sexual sufferer’, which was the main appeal for our very first parade. We want to show support for those who are still suffering or being discriminated against for their sexualities,” said Albert Yang, a spokesman for the event.
“Legalising same-sex marriages is the most important issue because it will mean a big step forwards for equal rights.”
The rally came as Taiwan’s parliament on Friday decided to begin reviewing a bill to amend the Civil Code in order to allow same-sex marriages. The bill, proposed by opposition Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers, will be discussed by the parliament’s judiciary committee.