Thousands March In ‘Asia’s Largest LGBT Pride Parade’ In Support Of Same-Sex Marriage

By Agence France-Presse
Saturday, October 26, 2013 11:27 ED

Tens of thousands of people rallied in Taiwan on Saturday in Asia’s largest gay parade, organisers said, as the island’s parliament was set to review a bill on same-sex marriages.

Holding rainbow flags, colourful placards and balloons, participants from Taiwan, several Asian countries, the United States and Europe marched the streets in a bustling business district in Taipei for the 11th annual parade, organisers said.

“This year’s theme is ‘The voice of sexual sufferer’, which was the main appeal for our very first parade. We want to show support for those who are still suffering or being discriminated against for their sexualities,” said Albert Yang, a spokesman for the event.


The rally came as Taiwan’s parliament on Friday decided to begin reviewing a bill to amend the Civil Code in order to allow same-sex marriages. The bill, proposed by opposition Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers, will be discussed by the parliament’s judiciary committee.

“For me legalising same-sex marriages is the most important issue because it will mean a big step forwards for equal rights. I hope the parliament will pass the bill soon,” said Chang Hsiao-mao, a 24-year-old service industry worker who came with 200 others he met on Facebook.

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