Taiwan gay marriage bill sparks mass protests

Taiwan is facing protests over a bill that could make it the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

A young man waves a rainbow flag during a protest outside the Parliament, in Taipei, Taiwan, 17 November 2016.

A young man waves a rainbow flag during a protest outside the Parliament, in Taipei, Taiwan, 17 November 2016. Source: AAP

Thousands of Taiwanese have protested for and against a bill that could make it the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

Organisers estimated that Thursday's protests attracted more than 20,000 people who carried placards, flew flags and chanted slogans as lawmakers deliberated the bill.

Both the ruling and major opposition parties support the measure, as do a majority of the public and President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's first female head of state.

Opponents include religious groups and some conservative politicians.

Taiwan would join Canada, Colombia, Ireland, the United States and 16 other countries that have legalied same-sex marriage. But it would be a notable exception in Asia and the Middle East.


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Source: AAP


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