- Title: Protesters face off over same-sex marriage in Taiwan
- Date: 13th November 2016
- Summary: TAIPEI, TAIWAN (NOVEMBER 13, 2016) (REUTERS) PROTESTERS SHOUTING (Mandarin): "THE WHOLE PEOPLE (SHOULD) DECIDE ABOUT MARRIAGE AND FAMILY" PROTESTERS SHOUTING SLOGANS
- Embargoed: 28th November 2016 10:26
- Keywords: LGBT protest gay marriage legalization
- Location: TAIPEI, TAIWAN
- City: TAIPEI, TAIWAN
- Country: Taiwan
- Topics: Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA00158A0S3P
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Protesters for and against same-sex marriage faced off in Taipei on Sunday (November 13) where a law was recently proposed to legalise gay marriage.
According to local media, the bill to amend Taiwan's civil code recently passed a first reading at the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament.
Similar efforts have failed under previous governments, but the issue has regained traction since Tsai Ing-wen assumed power in May this year.
Protesters gathered in front of the presidential palace in Taipei to voice their demands, singing and shouting slogans like "the whole people (should) decide about marriage and family."
"This something determined by heaven and cannot be changed. Ever since there have been humans until now, you and I exist, along with all of humanity, only because of the (principle of) one husband one wife. So (I) oppose same-sex marriage, because it destroys these values," said anti-gay marriage protester Kao Hsiu-chu.
The protesters said they want the decision about whether or not to allow same-sex marriage to be put to a public referendum.
Supporters of same-sex marriage also voiced their demands.
"There is no need for a referendum because this basic right should be guaranteed for the people by the country and government. So we think that this should be equal. You want to marry whomever you want to like, whomever you want to love, whatever you want to do with whomever, it's all the legitimate. This is your freedom. But you should not put anyone in a framework or limit anyone. This is our response to their demands," said rally participant Kuo Ling-han.
Taiwan is regarded as among the most LGBT-friendly places in Asia, annually hosting the biggest gay pride event in the region with tens of thousands of participants from throughout Asia. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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