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Taiwan becomes first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage

Taiwan has become the first Aisan nation to legalise same-sex marriage following a vote in its parliament. In 2017, the island's constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry

Taiwan legalises same-sex marriage

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Published : May 17, 2019, 1:16 PM IST

Updated : May 17, 2019, 4:59 PM IST

Taipei: Taiwan has become the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage following a vote in its parliament.

In 2017, the island's constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples had the right to legally marry, reports the BBC.

Parliament was given a two-year deadline and was required to pass the changes by May 24.

Taiwan legalises same-sex marriage

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 as "same-sex family relationships" or "same-sex unions" rather than "marriages".

Hundreds of gay rights supporters gathered outside the building in the capital Taipei to await the landmark ruling.

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The change comes despite public backlash to the 2017 court ruling, which pressured the government into holding a referendum.

How world sees same-sex marriage

The referendum results showed that a majority of voters in Taiwan rejected legalizing same-sex marriage, saying that the definition of marriage was the union of a man and woman.

Last Updated : May 17, 2019, 4:59 PM IST

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