14 May 2015

Gay groups want same the same leave and benefits for gay couples

The group is hoping for improvements in the rights of the LGBT community such as the same leave and benefits as for legally married couples

The Kaohsiung city government is considering marking the partners of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders in the household registration system. Members of a gay group hope this means wedding leave can be applied to gay couples. 

The Kaohsiung city government may follow the Taipei city government and have its Bureau of Civil Affairs officials meet with gay groups regularly to discuss their needs.

The city's fifth gay pride demonstration is set for May 16 in Kaohsiung, starting in a local park at 2:30 p.m.

The groups have asked the participants to dress in pink or wear pink accessories.

Their previous appeals, such as unisex toilets and regular meetings with city government officials, have yet to be realized, and they want to review this lack of friendliness toward the LGBT groups in this year's parade.

The head of the city government's Bureau of Civil Affairs, said her bureau will work towards a breakthrough in laws related to the LGBT community.

Taiwan does not allow same-sex marriage under its Civil Code, although 25 countries have agreed to legal rights for same-sex partners and 18 countries recognize same-sex marriages.

The city government will study how to include same-sex partners in the household registration system.