TAIWAN: Taipei City Government To Ask Court To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Asia One reports:

The Taipei City Government Department of Civil Affairs yesterday stated its decision to petition to the Constitutional Court to make a decision about whether the Constitution forbids the government from restricting marriage rights from same-sex couples and to seek a decision that would require the government to legalize same-sex marriage. Countries all over the world have started to legalize same-sex marriage, Civil Affairs officials said, citing a gradual change in values in the past years. However, when asked whether they supported the right of same-sex couples to marry during their confirmation hearings before the Legislative Yuan, four of the current grand justices of the Constitutional Court said they could not support such a right. In a democratic country, the guarantee of civil liberty is a major issue that governmental bodies must be aware of, but since the Constitutional Court has yet to hand down a decision regarding same-sex marriage, the Civil Affairs department has decided to appeal to the court. It is estimated that the documents supporting the appeal will be delivered to the Ministry of the Interior next week.

Taipei currently grants same-sex couples limited partnership rights. About 2.7 million live within the city limits of Taipei, with about 7.5 million in the metro area.

TAIWAN: Government Prepares To Intro Same-Sex Marriage Legislation

The Global Times reports:

Taiwan plans to draft a same-sex partnership law to further protect the rights of homosexual couples, making Taiwan likely to become the first region in Asia to legalize gay marriage. Following the US Supreme Court's decision on gay marriage in June, judicial authorities in Taiwan announced recently that they decided to draft a same-sex partnership law consistent with the global trend and changing public opinion. They said when polls show that the region's population is ready, a gay marriage law will be drafted. Lo Ying-hsueh, head of Taiwan's judicial body, said the government will put related bills on an online voting platform with the result to serve as a reference for the legislature, the Taiwan-based United Daily News reported Sunday. A poll conducted by judicial authorities in 2013 shows that more than 53 percent support same-sex marriage.

Last year's Taiwan Pride event drew 70,000.

SINGAPORE: 28,000 Attend Seventh Annual Pink Dot LGBT Rights Rally

Via Reuters:

Singapore's Pink Dot gay rights rally drew a record number of participants on Saturday, even as the country remains deeply divided over homosexuality. In early evening, a mostly young, pink-donned crowd was filling up the small Hong Lim Park, decked out in hot pink balloons and signs, next to Singapore's central financial district. The event, in its 7th year, included speeches and a concert, while 28,000 participants formed a gigantic human pink dot after night fall, the organiser said. The event's spokesman, Paerin Choa, somberly recounted the challenges the gay rights movement had encountered over the past year, including a court decision to uphold a law criminalising sexual acts between men. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said last week that the country was not ready for same-sex marriage, while a "Wear White" movement started by religious groups to counter Pink Dot has entered its second year. "I hope that they will legalise gay marriage," said a 20-year-old Danish man, holding up a pink sign with a friend to offer free hugs near a subway exit on the edge of the park.

The promotional clip for Pink Dot is always wonderful.

SOUTH KOREA: Christian Activists Rally Outside Queer Cultural Festival

Citing threats from Christian groups who last year physically blockaded the Seoul Pride parade, last week the Seoul police denied a permit for what would be South Korea's 16th annual such event. The Korea Queer Cultural Festival kicked off this week anyway, but not without a rabble of Christian protesters who were watched over by about 1000 cops. Via the Korea Times:

The festival's opening ceremony took place at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall on Tuesday. Almost 150 people participated in the ceremony, including international guests. Demonstrators arrived at the venue 12 hours earlier on Tuesday to surround the venue, calling on sexual minorities to repent for their "sins" and to cancel the festival. They also criticized the Seoul Metropolitan Government for granting festival organizers use of the venue for the opening. The ceremony went off peacefully. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency dispatched almost 1,000 riot police as a precaution. There could still be trouble as several events are scheduled until June 28, the last day of the festival. A private party is scheduled for June 13 in Itaewon, followed by a prayer session for sexual minorities at a Seoul temple on June 17, film screenings on June 18-21 and a symposium on same-sex marriage at the National Assembly on June 20.

Buzzfeed has posted some of the protesters' signs, one of which read, "Gays out: Homosexuals have no civil rights."

VIETNAM: Gay Marriage No Longer Banned, But It's Not Recognized Either

This week Vietnam's repeal of its constitutional ban on same-sex marriage went into effect. But marriage still isn't legal or recognized.

Same-sex couples can now hold symbolic weddings and cohabitate without interference or fines from authorities. However, they will not receive the same rights as straight married couples, a halfway point some lawmakers have hailed as the first step towards marriage equality. "They can organize wedding parties and live together but their marriage is not legally recognized by a certificate of marriage," Bui Minh Hong, an official from the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Economic and Civil Legislation, told DTiNews. Vietnam was one of the first countries to ban gay marriage in 1992 but was the first to repeal such a law in June last year.

Some observers believe that Vietnam will become the first Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, but no legislation is pending.

TAIWAN: Pride Parade Draws 70,000

Yesterday the New York Times raved abut the difference between Taiwan and its Asian neighbors:

Waving rainbow flags and banners demanding same-sex marriage, the revelers set off from Taiwan’s presidential palace, drawing cheers and thumbs-up from spectators along the way. For the 13th year in a row, the gay pride march took over the streets of the capital on Saturday in a boisterous, freewheeling demonstration of how far Taiwan has come in the two decades since multiparty democracy replaced martial law and authoritarian rule. But the loudest applause rose when a Malaysian flag or a troupe of Japanese dancers in traditional folk outfits, envoys from more restrictive locales, were spotted amid the throng. When it comes to gay rights in Asia, Taiwan is a world apart. Openly gay and lesbian soldiers can serve in the military, and the Ministry of Education requires textbooks to promote tolerance for gays and lesbians. In recent years, legislators here have passed protections for gays, including a law against workplace discrimination. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage has been introduced in Taiwan’s legislature, although it still faces strong opposition from Christian activists and their allies in the governing Kuomintang. “Taiwan is an inspiration for much of Asia,” said Grace Poore, director of Asia and Pacific island programs at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. “They are way ahead of their neighbors.” With its lively news media, panoply of grass-roots organizations and a robust, if sometimes noisy, democracy, this self-governing island has become a beacon for liberal political activism across Asia.

SINGAPORE: Court Upholds Sodomy Law

Via the Straits Times:

The highest court in Singapore has upheld Section 377A of the Penal Code, the law that criminalises sex between men, rejecting arguments that the provision contravenes the Constitution. In ruling that the provision is constitutional, the three-judge Court of Appeal on Wedesday rejected two separate challenges to strike down the law. Gay couple Gary Lim, 46, and Kenneth Chee, 38, as well as 51-year-old Tan Eng Hong, contend that the provision is discriminatory and should be declared void by the court.

Their argument is that Section 377A infringes their right to equal protection under the law, as guaranteed by Article 12 of the Constitution, and violates their right to life and liberty, as guaranteed by Article 9. The offence carries up to a two-year jail term for men who, in public or private, commit acts of "gross indecency" with other men. Mr Tan was the first to file a challenge against the statute in 2010 after he was charged with having oral sex with another man in a public toilet. Mr Lim and Mr Chee later filed their own challenge.

The law has been on the books since Singapore was a British colony. The photo above is from Singapore's annual Pink Dot event, which advocates for LGBT rights.

Kyrgyzstan Set To Ban "Gay Propaganda"

Via Radio Free Europe:

Kyrgyzstan's parliament has approved a draft law that bans "propaganda of same-sex relations" in the first reading. Lawmaker Kurmanbek Dyikanbaev told RFE/RL on October 15 that 79 deputies voted for the legislation, while seven voted against it. The law has to pass the parliament's approval in two more readings and then be signed by the president before coming into force. The bill calls for "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to be punished by up to one year in jail. It says journalists found guilty of "propagating" homosexual relations also will be held accountable. The bill bans the creation of groups that defend the rights of sexual minorities.

The local US embassy has denounced the bill. Kyrgyzstan has a population of 5.8M, is 80% Muslim, and is about the size of Nebraska. Independence from the former Soviet Union was gained in 1991.

PHILIPPINES: Nation's Largest City OK's Sweeping Anti-Discrimination Bill

The city council of Quezon City, the largest city in the Philippines, has unanimously approved a bill that outlaws anti-LGBT discrimination. Via Gay Star News:

The law was passed unanimously by more than 30 city councilors after a marathon eight-hour session. "This is very special and better than other ordinances, because it not only penalizes actions, but there is also affirmative action. This is an early gift ahead of the QC pride march in December," Ging Cristobal, project coordinator for the Asia Pacific region of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, told GMA News. The law extended a 2003 resolution banning discrimination of LGBTI people in employment to education, delivery of goods or services, insurance and access to accommodation. The city-wide ordinance also provides venues to educate employers and educators on LGBTI rights.

Quezon City has a population of 2.7M and is one of 16 municipalities that make up the Metro Manila Capital Region.

At Vietnam Pride 2014

The third-ever gay pride event was held in Hanoi this weekend.

Around 300 activists led a colourful parade through Hanoi on Sunday in the nation's largest ever gay pride event, as communist Vietnam shows signs of increasing tolerance of sexual difference. The city streets were awash with rainbow flags, as a mainly young crowd cycled and danced through the capital urging an end to discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Homosexuality remains taboo in Vietnam, but a series of gradual advances, including the removal of fines for same-sex wedding parties, have been welcomed by the LGBT community in recent years. In 2012 lawmakers even briefly considered legalising gay marriage -- a move which would have thrust the authoritarian country to the forefront of gay rights in Asia -- but stopped short. Sunday's event was the third gay pride parade in Vietnam and attracted a wide range of people including local activists, foreigners and curious bystanders. "I'm here for the rights of homosexuals. I want them to be treated fairly like everyone else," Le Kieu Oanh, a 20 year-old art student told AFP.

SOUTH KOREA: Seoul Pride Parade Disrupted By Christian Protesters

Seoul's gay pride parade was disrupted multiple times today when hundreds of Christians laid in the path of the floats and refused to move.

According to information provided to Gay Star News by a Ph.D student in South Korea, conservative Christians held mass prayer services during the 7 June event. "To put it simply today was a kind of battle between extremist Christians and LGBT attendees of said pride," the student wrote in a email account. The parade started but was stopped multiple times by protestors putting their bodies on the street, blocking the march. The anti-gay protestors sang South Korea's national anthem and chanted gays had no place in the country. The email account claims police arrested a few of the Christian demonstrators.

Many public events in South Korea have been canceled since the April ferry sinking which took over 300 lives. The pride parade went on despite official permission having been rescinded by Seoul officials. According to parade organizers, today's protesters were capitalizing on the sinking in order to thwart the celebration.

VIDEO: This clip was taken by an Italian tourist. Description via Google Translate:

Video fast and not really planned, so we apologize for the quality not really good. Today, June 7, 2014, was held in Sinchon, Seoul Gay Pride. The parade began in the early afternoon, but was not able to continue because a group of Christians was lying on the ground trying to stop participants of the parade to continue. The police arrived to maintain this order and many Christians, given their violent behavior, were dragged away by the police.

RELATED: The US Embassy was among today's participants.

Quote Of The Day - Akie Abe

"There is no difference to importance of love from sexual orientation. There should not be any discrimination because who you love. I am going to raise my voice. If my raised voice could contribute to the pride of LGBT people, there is no greater joy." - Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, speaking today at a gay pride event sponsored by the US embassy in Tokyo.

Also in attendance was George Takei, who predicted that Japan will soon make advances in LGBT rights.

The "Star Trek" actor also known for his gay and civil rights activism, said he was encouraged to have met with Japanese activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and even some of their parents fighting for their children. "They have to have courage to come out and share their lives honestly," Takei said. Once they get a ball rolling, more movement would follow, like "a ripple effect" that spreads, he added. "So I'm optimistic. I do think that Japan will be one of the nations that have equality and that too will serve as an example for other Asian nations."

The event was hosted by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. From her opening speech:

"African-Americans, women, people with disabilities, and gay men and lesbian have reminded all Americans that we are each entitled to the same rights, liberties, responsibilities and opportunities. Those struggle to transform our society, here tonight we celebrate the countless acts of courage and commitment and reaffirm that LGBT rights are human rights."

RELATED: In April, Akie Abe rode in Tokyo's pride parade.

INDIA: Supreme Court Refuses To Review Ruling That Criminalized Homosexuality

The Indian Supreme Court today refused to reconsider its December decision to reinstate the criminalization of homosexuality. Many had expected the Court to do so after major Indian and international leaders denounced the ruling.

Judges dismissed petitions from the government and rights activists who say the order was wrong. The Supreme Court judgement last month overturned a landmark 2009 Delhi High Court ruling decriminalising gay sex. The ruling is seen as a huge blow to gay rights and has been criticised by activists and government ministers. The Delhi High Court had described Section 377 - the colonial-era law which says a same-sex relationship is an "unnatural offence" and punishable by a 10-year jail term - as discriminatory and said gay sex between consenting adults should not be treated as a crime. But in its order of 11 December, the Supreme Court said it was up to parliament to change the law and the courts did not have the mandate to rule on it. The Supreme Court's order was criticised by gay rights activists who called it "retrograde" and "disappointing" and on 20 December, the government asked the court to review its order saying it believed it "violated the principle of equality".

Today's decision was welcomed by religious and anti-gay groups.

MANIF REDUX: Massive Crowd Rallies In Taipei Against Same-Sex Marriage

Waving signs and banners that were clearly lifted from France's vile Manif Pour Tous, tens of thousands marched in Taiwan's capital in protest of a proposed bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

From Focus Taiwan:

The demonstrators, many of whom were parents and children, crowded Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office, raising pink placards that read "Made by Daddy and Mommy," "Defend Marriage" and "Oppose Amendment to Civil Code Article 972," which states that an agreement to marry shall be made by the "male" and "female" parties in a relationship. The Coalition for the Happiness of Our Next Generation, one of the organizers of the event, argues that allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children will encourage "sexual liberation," undermine traditional family values and confuse gender roles for children. Any changes to the marriage system should be put to a national referendum, the coalition said. "God created human beings as male and female. Only the union of a man and a woman can create the next generation, and the ability to create offspring is an important function of a family," said 40-year-old Ann Huang, who joined the rally with her friends.

From the Taipei Times:

“God loves people, but He doesn’t love sinners,” demonstrator Hsu Chu-min said. “Homosexuals should abandon their sin. Homosexuality is against human nature.” A high-school student who wished to be known as Nelson took part in the rally in a Nazi uniform. “I am against homosexuality, and so were the Nazis; this is why I am wearing this uniform,” he said. “I don’t care if others criticize me, because those who criticize me will be condemned as well.” As many speakers at the rally accused gay rights activists of trying to push for sexual liberation, incest, group sex and bestiality through legalizing same-sex marriage and family diversity proposals, several gay rights advocacy groups tried to hold a press conference to clarify their stance. However, many activists were circled, pushed and driven away when they passed through the crowd of demonstrators.

American anti-gay sites, including NOM, are claiming today that the crowd numbered as many as 300,000. Homocon Robert Oscar Lopez is praising the protest on his blog, English Manif. The marriage bill passed its first reading before the national legislature in late October and is now before three committees for review. Recent polls show the Taiwanese public is strongly divided on the issue.

VIETNAM: Gay Wedding Ceremonies Legalized, But Not Same-Sex Marriage

As of yesterday, it's no longer illegal to stage gay weddings or commitment ceremonies in Vietnam.

The south-eastern Asian country has officially allowed same-sex couples to organize weddings and have the right to live together. While the unions won’t be legally recognized, gay rights campaigners believe it is a large step on the path to equal marriage. The Government has taken this step after two fines were handed out to gay and lesbian couples who chose to have a marriage ceremony in the southern provinces of Kien Giang and Ca Mau.

Last week Vietnam's National Assembly began hearings on removing the ban on same-sex marriage, the first step towards legalization.

At Hong Kong Pride 2013

Gay Star News reports on Hong Kong's fifth pride parade:

Today's Hong Kong Pride showed the LGBT community there are more visible than ever before. The head of Hong Kong's Equal Opportunity Commission Dr York Chow addressed the crowd, as did member of the legislative council Cyd Ho. This year, the fifth Hong Kong Pride, saw more corporate sponsorship with JP Morgan and Citibank joining Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Nomura who gave cash sponsorship last year, Fridae reports. Paul Choi, Goldman Sachs' executive director of human capital management, also spoke at the parade. 'As a company, we have been participating in the parade since 2008, and we are glad to see more people taking part as Hong Kong becomes more inclusive,' he said in a statement.

An estimated 8000 people attended.

VIETNAM: Hundreds Rally For Marriage

Yesterday hundreds rallied in Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi in support of next week's legislative debate on same-sex marriage.

The event was part of the “Toi Dong Y” festival, which translates as “I do,” or “I agree”, organized by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) groups across the country. One participant, 18-year-old Truong Duc Anh, said same-sex marriage is an important topic for Vietnam. He said he believes love does not have a wrong or a right side and the most important thing is that society treats people equally when it comes to love. The festival is being held ahead of a planned debate on revisions to the Marriage and Family Law at the National Assembly on November 5. The draft does not include the legalization of same-sex marriage, but removes the article banning them in the current law and includes provisions for same-sex couples who live together.

Activists say that a repeal of the same-sex marriage ban will ultimately lead to legalization. Vietnam's first-ever gay pride parade was held in Hanoi last year. (Tipped by JMG reader Matthew)

TAIWAN: Thousands March For Marriage

Tens of thousands marched in Taipei's gay pride parade today in support of a marriage equality bill under consideration by the Taiwanese legislature. Via Reuters:

Taiwan's legislature on Friday began a review of a gay marriage bill, which has the support of 53 percent of the public, according to a recent opinion poll, though acceptance of a gay family member remains low. "Chinese families are still very traditional," said Jennifer Lu of the counselling group Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association and one of the hosts on the centre stage. "People still emphasise having an heir and passing on the family name." On a cool autumn day, the 11th annual parade was marked by colourful costumes, plenty of exposed skin, musical performances and vendors lining the route to and from the city hall. Spokeswoman Meico Tsai praised the liberal attitudes that have put Taiwan far ahead of its neighbours in terms of tolerance of gays. "Compared to other Asian countries, we're more open, but we still have a long way to go," she said. Sexual-orientation education is a part of the primary school curriculum and LGBT individuals enjoy legal protection from hiring discrimination and other forms of prejudice. "Korea is much more conservative," said South Korean national Carmen Yoon, a first-time attendee. "I hope Taiwan will legalise gay marriage and we can follow their example."

The marriage bill is sponsored by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party and is before the legislature's judiciary committee.

Thailand To See Marriage Equality Bill

Thailand's federal government says it is ready to put forth a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. But not in name.

"We will put forward the same-sex civil-union bill in Parliament," Naras Savestanan, director general of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, announced yesterday with the chair of the House committee on justice and human rights, Viroon Phuensaen, by his side. Naras said his department and the House committee had decided to put this bill before Parliament with the hope that same-sex partners would be able to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. "The rights cover tax benefits, pension benefits and more," he said, adding that once this bill takes effect, the civil union of same-sex couples would legally equal the registered marriage of men and women.

Thailand would become the first Asian nation with equal marriage/civil unions, unless you count New Zealand, which some people would. No time frame for bill has been revealed.

Vietnam Official Calls For Marriage

An interesting development:

Vietnam should legalize same-sex marriage immediately, the deputy minister of health was quoted as saying today by local media. As human beings, homosexuals have the same rights as everyone else to live, eat, love and be loved,” Nguyen Viet Tien told a government meeting discussing the upcoming review of the Marriage and Family Law, newspaper Thanh Nien said. The National Assembly is scheduled to discuss allowing same-sex marriage when the law is reviewed in May.

Vietnam only had its first gay pride parade last year. Image via Memeograph.