The couples embraced and kissed in front of the gathered press before proudly holding aloft their wedding certificates as well as new identity cards listing each other as spouses.
Taiwan made history on Friday with Asia's first legal gay weddings as same-sex couples tied the knot in jubilant and emotional scenes, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality.
They embraced and kissed in front of the gathered press before proudly holding aloft their wedding certificates as well as new identity cards listing each other as spouses.They held a religious blessing conducted by a progressive Buddhist master in 2012 but they longed for the same legal rights granted heterosexuals.
"Today I can say in front of so many people that we are gay and we are getting married. I'm really proud that my country is so progressive," he added.It's a landmark moment for LGBT rights in Asia as gay couples take the historic step of registering as married, the culmination of a three-decade fight for equality pic.twitter.
The city hall will co-host an outdoor wedding party near the famous Taipei 101 skyscraper, with local and foreign dignitaries expected to attend.For veteran gay rights activist Chi Chia-wei -- dressed in an eye-catching red suit with a rainbow headband -- Friday's registrations were the culmination of a three-decade fight trying to persuade successive governments to change the law.
"I feel very happy that same-sex couples can finally register and be listed as each other's spouse. I am honoured to witness Friday's marriage registrations," he told AFP.In the last decade Taiwan has become increasingly progressive on gay rights with Taipei hosting by far Asia's largest pride parade.
Conservative lawmakers put forward rival bills that offered something closer to limited same-sex unions but those measures failed as parliament comfortably passed the gay marriage law.Same-sex couples can currently only adopt their partners' biological children and can only wed foreigners from countries where gay marriage is also recognised.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taiwan the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriageGraphic showing places where gay marriage and civil unions are legal.
Read more »
Taiwan’s parliament approves same-sex marriages in first for AsiaLegislators pass a bill allowing same-sex couples to form exclusive permanent unions
Read more »
US navy again sails through Taiwan Strait, angering ChinaUS has been ramping up sailings through strategic waterway and Taiwan will see the latest voyage as a sign of support from the Trump administration
Read more »
Taiwan’s parliament approves same-sex marriages in first for AsiaLegislators pass a bill allowing same-sex couples to form exclusive permanent unions
Read more »
Zuma’s defence slates NPA as day one of 'stay of prosecution' hearing ends | IOL NewsFormer president Jacob Zuma’s defence team pulled no punches on Monday during its arguments for a permanent stay of prosecution.
Read more »
Taiwan the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriageGraphic showing places where gay marriage and civil unions are legal.
Read more »
Asian stores shun trade-ins as many rush to return latest Huawei phones | IOL NewsMobile phone retailers in some Asian countries are refusing to accept Huawei devices for trade-ins, as more consumers look to offload their device.
Read more »
LOOK: Supporters want 'old' #JacobZuma freed so he can 'live his life' | IOL NewsSupporters came from all corners of the province and country to provide moral support for the man they believe he is being 'persecuted'.
Read more »
LOOK: Flight instructor critically injured in Pretoria plane crash | IOL NewsA flight instructor was critically injured while his student pilot escaped almost unscathed when the light aircraft they ...
Read more »
LOOK: Widodo says he won't allow unrest as six die in Indonesia riots | IOL NewsIndonesian President Joko Widodo said authorities have the volatile situation in the country's capital under control after six people died Wednesday.
Read more »
NUM members end underground sit-in at Chinese mine in Orkney after five days | IOL NewsAt least 69 NUM members staged an underground sit-in at No. 7 Shaft on Saturday morning, demanding an 8% salary increase that had allegedly been taken off the table.
Read more »