Thousands opposing same-sex marriage stage rally in Taiwan
Legislation before parliament likely to legalise same-sex unions on the island
Thousands protested in Taipei on Thursday against draft bills that would make Taiwan the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, arguing traditional family values would be undermined.
Protesters dressed in white and holding placards with the slogans including “Stand forward for the next generation’s happiness” packed a street outside the parliament where a committee was debating the issue.
They shook their hands in the air and gave the thumbs-down as they watched a live stream of the committee meeting on a big screen.
Supporters of gay rights are more hopeful than ever that same-sex marriage will soon become a reality under the pro-gay rights Democratic Progressive Party, which is in control of parliament for the first time.
But opposing voices have been building since proposed amendments to legalise same-sex marriage passed initial vetting in parliament earlier this month.