19 Mar 2014

Clashes and kisses at protests over gay marriage in Taiwan

Clashes broke out in Taipei at the weekend as pro-gay marriage activists tried to join a rally organized by Christian churches to promote the idea of a family as consisting of one father, one mother and their children.

Although the organizer of the rally said the focus of the event was to promote family values, not to oppose same-sex marriage, many of the rally’s signs bore messages advocating that a happy family is one with a father and a mother.

Witnesses also reported a homemade sign brandished by one church supporter praising anti-gay laws in Uganda, which consider homosexuality as a crime punishable by life in prison, and urging the government to “be courageous” and follow Kampala’s example.

LGBT activists attempted to join the rally, stating: “Let us in, we also support family values, we also want to have a happy family.” About 100 activists were pushed back by church volunteers and minor scuffles ensued.

Same-sex marriage advocates in Taiwan, including Shih Ming-teh Cultural Foundation, also organized a kiss-in between LGBT couples. 

The two protests took place in Taipei’s Freedom Square, in front of the Legislative Yuan, which is at present considering a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Taiwan.