Taiwan Celebrates First Official Same-Sex Weddings
Over 100 same-sex couples in Taiwan will say I do as the country’s same-sex marriage legislation comes into effect.
History was made in Taiwan last week when it became the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage.
Local authorities said more than 150 same-sex couples were scheduled to register marriages in Taipei on Friday.
The city hall in Taipei will co-host a mass outdoor wedding party, with local and foreign dignitaries expected to attend.
Longtime LGBTIQ activist Chi Chia-wei autographed the first same-sex marriage certificate after three decades of campaigning.
Taiwan’s president Su Tseng-chang gifted him the pen she used to sign the bill, which he used to sign the couple’s documents.
“I feel very happy that same-sex couples can finally register and be listed as each other’s spouse,” Chia-wei told AFP.
“I am honoured to witness Friday’s marriage registrations.”
In 2013, Chi Chia-wei tried to register his marriage to his same-sex partner in capital Taipei and was denied. He challenged the ban in Taiwan’s top court. In 2017, the court ruled the law forbidding same-sex marriages violates the country’s constitution.
