Taiwan holds largest gay pride parade in Asia

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A sea of rainbow flags and glitzy costumes filled downtown Taipei Saturday as tens of thousands marched in Asia's largest gay pride parade, the first since Taiwan's top court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage.

Taiwan looks set to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after the court said in May that laws preventing same-sex unions violated the guarantee of freedom of marriage. It gave the Taiwan authorities two years to implement the decision.

The anticipation was felt in Saturday's parade, as dancing crowds in colorful wigs and sequined outfits made their way through the city center alongside vans blasting music.

But behind the celebrations, some are frustrated at the lack of progress in changing the current marriage laws since May. Joseph Wu, 46, one of the parade participants who has been with his partner for six years, said many cannot afford to wait for two years.

"We just want the same things heterosexual couples have. We also do our military service, we pay the same taxes, so why can't we have the same thing?" he said.

Gay rights activists expressed frustration in September when a Taipei court rejected a request from a lesbian couple to marry, saying they can only register when relevant laws are in place.

Taiwan rules in favor of same-sex marriage

Source(s): AFP