Taiwan rules in favor of same-sex marriage

A top Taiwan court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, a landmark ruling that paves the way for Taiwan to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex unions.

The court said Taiwan’s current Civil Code provision, which does not allow two persons of the same sex to marry, is in violation of both the people’s freedom of marriage and the people’s right to equality as guaranteed by its Constitution.

The court rules that the authorities concerned shall complete the amendment of relevant laws in accordance with the ruling within two years. If the amendment of relevant laws is not completed within the two-year time frame, then two persons of the same sex may apply for marriage registration.

The case was brought by gay rights activist Chi Chia-wei after the Taipei city government rejected his and his long-time partner’s application to marry in 2013.