Although many countries across the world have legalized same-sex marriage over the last decade, no country in Asia has done it yet. That is, until now. Last Friday, thousands of marriage-equality advocates celebrated in the pouring rain outside Taiwan’s legislature as it voted to become the first in Asia to fully legalize same-sex unions.
The new law, which also offers some adoption rights, kicks in next Friday — when the self-ruled island will join the 26 other countries that already allow same-sex unions. The landmark ruling suggests that tolerance of same-sex relationships may be growing in parts of Asia. Last year, for instance, India’s top court struck down a colonial-era law that criminalized adult consensual homosexual relationships. And a recent poll showed most young Singaporeans support same-sex marriages — currently not allowed in the city-state.
