Taiwan has officially become the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriages. NPR states that the vote was for legalization 66-27. Taiwan's president had made sure to keep his 2016 promise about addressing the ban and he tweeted, "Good morning Taiwan. Today, we have a chance to make history & show the world that progressive values can take root in an East Asian society. Today, we can show the world that #LoveWins."
In celebration, hundreds of people got married the same day.
This past Saturday Taiwain booked a wedding banquet to celebrate the change. Thousands attended including gay-rights activist Chi Chia-wei. The Times calls him the "godfather" of gay rights. Chi himself was arrested in 1986 for coming out as gay. Over 20 couples walked the banquet carpet to say their vows in front of thousands of supporters. People camped out with picnics or sat at tables at the venue in celebration.
Chi praises the steps that Tawian has made saying, "Progress is good. More progress is even better." He tells the New York Times that the next steps to be addressed are transnational couples and full adoption rights.
