Malta’s parliament voted Wednesday to allow same-sex couples to marry, three years after passing a law permitting civil partnerships in the overwhelmingly Catholic nation. Lawmakers gave near-unanimous approval to the bill, which represents a major step for LBGT rights on the island, which only legalised divorce in 2011 and where abortion is outlawed. Malta, the … Read more
A clear majority of German MPs have voted to legalise same-sex marriage, days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote. The reform grants couples now limited to civil unions full marital rights, and allows them to adopt children. Mrs Merkel’s political opponents were strongly in favour. But the chancellor, who signalled her … Read more
A clear majority of German MPs have voted to legalise same-sex marriage, days after Chancellor Angela Merkel dropped her opposition to a vote. The reform grants couples now limited to civil unions full marital rights, and allows them to adopt children. Mrs Merkel’s political opponents were strongly in favour. But the chancellor, who signalled her … Read more
Draped with rainbow flags and waving a huge rainbow banner, celebrated activist Chi Chia-wei stood triumphant in front of cheering crowds after Taiwan’s top court ruled in favour of gay marriage. “Today’s victory is for everybody!” he declared to the emotional rally Wednesday night after a historic ruling that marked the culmination of 30 years … Read more
Taiwan’s giant step towards allowing same-sex marriage has reverberated across Asia, but activists warn the fight for equality isn’t over in a region where gay sex remains illegal in some countries. Challenges to an Asia-wide embrace of same-sex unions were highlighted by this week’s caning of two Indonesian men as punishment for gay sex and … Read more
Taiwan’s top court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions. Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said that current laws preventing the practice “violated” the constitution’s guarantees of freedom of … Read more
A top Taiwan court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same sex unions. The constitutional court said Taiwan’s current Civil Code, which stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and … Read more
Same-sex marriage, which Taiwan could become the first Asian nation to authorise, is currently legal in around 20 countries around the world, 13 of which are in pioneering Europe. Such unions are, however, still illegal in most parts of Africa and in the Middle East, where homosexuality is in some cases punishable by the death … Read more
Taiwan could become the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage on Wednesday when a court makes a landmark ruling on whether to allow same-sex unions. Activists are optimistic the decision will go in their favour, with growing momentum behind the push for equal marriage rights on the island. But there is also anger … Read more
A court ruling in Taiwan this week could make the island the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, in a decision that would give activists around the region new hope in their quest for equality. A panel of grand justices will announce its verdict on Wednesday in a landmark case that centres on … Read more
For Chi Chia-wei the imminent court decision that could make Taiwan the first place in Asia to recognise gay marriage is his greatest shot at justice after decades of tireless campaigning. “It’s been so long, my hair has gone grey!” says 59-year-old Chia, who often appears in public draped in rainbow flags. The celebrated activist, … Read more
Taiwan’s constitutional court began hearing a landmark case Friday that could make the island the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage. A panel of 14 grand justices will hear a debate over a disputed law that critics say is unconstitutional because it prevents unions between gay couples. Campaigners for change gathered with rainbow … Read more
The Australian government’s proposal to hold a national vote on legalising same-sex marriage has been defeated in the upper house of parliament. The government said a non-binding ballot, or plebiscite, was the quickest way to amend the Marriage Act.. Same-sex couples can have civil unions or registered relationships in most Australian states but they are … Read more