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

The mass wedding with 188 couples was the first time same-sex couples have been wed and celebrated at a military ceremony. Taiwan is the only Asian nation to have legalized same-sex marriage, with more than 4,000 such couples marrying.

Taoyuan: Two lesbian couples tied the knot in a mass wedding held by Taiwan's military on Friday in a historic celebration with their peers.

Taiwan is the only place in Asia to have legalized same-sex marriage, with more than 4,000 such couples marrying since the legislation passed in May 2019.

The couples viewed their ceremonies with a sense of responsibility towards representing the LGBT community.

“We are hoping that more LGBT people in the military can bravely stand up because our military is very open-minded. In matters of love, everyone will be treated equally,” said Chen Ying-hsuan, 27, an army lieutenant who married Li Li-chen, 26.

Read:|61-year-old woman delivered baby girl for her gay son

Chen wore a rainbow wristband and said she has always been open about her sexual orientation while serving.

The ceremony at an army base in the northern city of Taoyuan was brief.

The couples took part in a parade and then exchanged rings in front of an audience of family members and their senior officers.

Yumi Meng, 37, and her wife, army major Wang Yi, 36, wiped back tears as they exchanged rings.

Meng wore sneakers under her wedding dress, while Wang wore her officer's uniform.

They each carried a pride flag throughout the ceremony.

Meng's parents had not come to the celebration, but in support, both of Wang's parents, as well as her teacher, came out to support the couple.

Read:|Colombians stage kiss-a-thon in support of gay rights

Since same-sex marriage became legal in Taiwan, 4,021 such couples have married, with 69% of the lesbian couples, according to the most recent government data.

“Our attitude is that everyone should be treated equally, and we congratulate each and every couple, and this shows that our military’s position is open-minded, progressive and with the times,” Lt. Gen. Yang An told reporters at the wedding.

AP