Source : United Daily News

A parade supporting marriage equality in Taiwan is set to take place July 4 in Taipei City, turning up the heat on the ROC Legislature to fast-track legal recognition of same-sex couples.

Organized by Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights, the procession serves to remind lawmakers from the ruling Kuomintang and opposition Democratic Progressive Party to include an equal marriage rights bill in the last session of the current legislative term.

“The tentative bill was submitted to the Legislative Yuan’s Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee for further deliberations in 2013,” TAPCPR Director Victoria Hsu said. “All we need now is the sworn commitment of the KMT and DPP to the cause.”

Draft amendments to the civil code were first proposed to the Legislature two years ago to reinterpret the constitution of family and marriage, allowing for broader definitions and granting same-sex partnerships legal status.

The legislation was suspended indefinitely after adoption following first reading. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruling June 26 legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states has put the onus on local legislators to follow suit.

“Marriage equality is a basic human right, not a question of popular vote or public opinion,” Hsu said, adding that the issue should not be avoided due to its controversial nature. “We expect both parties to shoulder full responsibility in advancing this important legislation.” (YHC-JSM)