A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions.

Western Europe: pioneers

In 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

Fifteen European countries have followed: Belgium, Britain (but not Northern Ireland, which only accepts civil partnerships), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, with Austria due to join next year.

In several of these countries, gay marriage had been preceded by civil partnerships, which come with fewer rights, Denmark being the pioneer in 1989.

Some European countries still only allow such partnerships, rather than marriage, including Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland.

Slovenians also allow civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalise gay marriage.

Bans in the east

In June 2018 the Czech government backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalise same-sex marriage.

But most Eastern European countries allow neither gay partnerships nor marriages, including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise same-sex civil unions.

In Russia homosexuality was considered a crime up to 1993 and a mental illness until 1999. Now legal, a 2013 law however punishes the promotion of homosexuality among minors.

West opens to gay adoption

Western Europe also leads the way on the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships.

This is allowed in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta and The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.&nbsp;

Other countries, like Finland and Slovenia, allow gay people to adopt their partner's children.

Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) is allowed for lesbian couples in Austria, Belgium, Britain, The Netherlands, Spain and the Nordic countries. France is examining whether to make such a move.

Most European countries, however, ban surrogacy although the use of surrogate mothers is allowed -- as long as they are not paid -- in Belgium, Britain and The Netherlands. In an exception, Greece in 2014 authorised paid surrogacy.

Further afield, homosexual couples can also marry in Canada since 2005 and in the United States since 2015, as well as in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay.&nbsp;

South Africa in 2006 became the sole African nation to allow gay marriage.&nbsp;

A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions.

A referendum in Romania this weekend to define marriage explicitly as between a man and woman underlines the largely East-West split in Europe over same-sex unions. Western Europe: pioneers In 2001 the Netherlands became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony. Fifteen European countries have followed: Belgium, Britain (but not Northern Ireland, which only accepts civil partnerships), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, with Austria due to join next year. In several of these countries, gay marriage had been preceded by civil partnerships, which come with fewer rights, Denmark being the pioneer in 1989. Some European countries still only allow such partnerships, rather than marriage, including Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland. Slovenians also allow civil partnerships but in 2015 rejected in a referendum a proposal to legalise gay marriage. Bans in the east In June 2018 the Czech government backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalise same-sex marriage. But most Eastern European countries allow neither gay partnerships nor marriages, including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. In 2014 Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to authorise same-sex civil unions. In Russia homosexuality was considered a crime up to 1993 and a mental illness until 1999. Now legal, a 2013 law however punishes the promotion of homosexuality among minors. West opens to gay adoption Western Europe also leads the way on the rights of same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnerships. This is allowed in Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Malta and The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. Other countries, like Finland and Slovenia, allow gay people to adopt their partner's children. Medically Assisted Procreation (MAP) is allowed for lesbian couples in Austria, Belgium, Britain, The Netherlands, Spain and the Nordic countries. France is examining whether to make such a move. Most European countries, however, ban surrogacy although the use of surrogate mothers is allowed -- as long as they are not paid -- in Belgium, Britain and The Netherlands. In an exception, Greece in 2014 authorised paid surrogacy. Further afield, homosexual couples can also marry in Canada since 2005 and in the United States since 2015, as well as in four Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay. South Africa in 2006 became the sole African nation to allow gay marriage.

Gay marriage: Europe split in two

Ireland votes on Friday in an abortion referendum that could be a milestone on a path of change in a country that, only a few decades ago, was one of Europe's most socially conservative.

Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in favour of change, has called the referendum a "once-in-a-generation" chance.

Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother's life is in danger.

Ireland has been changing fast. It legalised divorce by a razor-thin majority only in 1995, but three years ago became the first country in the world to adopt gay marriage by popular vote.

A decades-old battle over abortion has played out in a fiercely contested debate that divided political parties, saw the once mighty church take a back seat and became a test case for how global internet giants deal with social media advertising in political campaigns.

Unlike in 1983, when religion was front and centre and abortion was a taboo subject for most people, the campaign was instead defined by women on both sides publicly describing their personal experiences of terminations.

"The conversation that has resulted in me going to the ballot box to vote 'Yes' with certainty hasn't been a straightforward one," Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney wrote in the Irish Independent newspaper on Thursday.

"I have found it difficult, I have stumbled but I have met extraordinary women and men along the way who have changed my perspectives on this deeply emotive issue."

"Yes" campaigners like Coveney have argued that with over 3,000 women travelling to Britain each year for terminations and others ordering pills illegally online, abortion is already a reality in Ireland.

Government plans ''extreme''

Although not on the ballot paper, the "No" camp has seized on government plans to allow terminations with no restriction up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy if the referendum is carried, calling it a step too far for most voters.

"More and more people are realising that this government has planned to introduce an extreme abortion law, the only way to stop this is to vote 'No'," said Mary Butler, an anti-abortion lawmaker from the main opposition party, Fianna Fail.

Opinion polls have put those who favour changing the law in a clear lead. The two most recent surveys showed the "Yes" side pulling further ahead.

Polling stations close at 2100 GMT and national broadcaster RTE plans to publish an exit poll at 2230 GMT. The first indications of the result are expected mid-morning on Saturday, after the count begins at 0800 GMT.

Many expatriate Irish have travelled home to vote in one of the few European Union countries that does not allow those abroad to vote via post or in embassies.

Those away for less than 18 months remain eligible to vote at their former local polling station, and a majority appeared to back change.

Analysts said a high turnout, particularly in urban areas, would likely favour the "Yes" side.

"If anything, I'm sitting a little bit more comfortably after the last week having viewed the debates and the general moods and commentary of the 'No' camp," said Richard Colwell, chief executive of Red C, whose latest poll on Sunday showed 56 per cent for, 27 per cent against and 14 per cent still undecided.

"But that's what everybody thought when Brexit happened. We can't be complacent about it but it does appear that it's going to be a 'Yes' vote at this stage."

Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations

Ireland votes on Friday in an abortion referendum that could be a milestone on a path of change in a country that, only a few decades ago, was one of Europe's most socially conservative. Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in favour of change, has called the referendum a "once-in-a-generation" chance. Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother's life is in danger. Ireland has been changing fast. It legalised divorce by a razor-thin majority only in 1995, but three years ago became the first country in the world to adopt gay marriage by popular vote. A decades-old battle over abortion has played out in a fiercely contested debate that divided political parties, saw the once mighty church take a back seat and became a test case for how global internet giants deal with social media advertising in political campaigns. Unlike in 1983, when religion was front and centre and abortion was a taboo subject for most people, the campaign was instead defined by women on both sides publicly describing their personal experiences of terminations. "The conversation that has resulted in me going to the ballot box to vote 'Yes' with certainty hasn't been a straightforward one," Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney wrote in the Irish Independent newspaper on Thursday. "I have found it difficult, I have stumbled but I have met extraordinary women and men along the way who have changed my perspectives on this deeply emotive issue." "Yes" campaigners like Coveney have argued that with over 3,000 women travelling to Britain each year for terminations and others ordering pills illegally online, abortion is already a reality in Ireland. Government plans ''extreme'' Although not on the ballot paper, the "No" camp has seized on government plans to allow terminations with no restriction up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy if the referendum is carried, calling it a step too far for most voters. "More and more people are realising that this government has planned to introduce an extreme abortion law, the only way to stop this is to vote 'No'," said Mary Butler, an anti-abortion lawmaker from the main opposition party, Fianna Fail. Opinion polls have put those who favour changing the law in a clear lead. The two most recent surveys showed the "Yes" side pulling further ahead. Polling stations close at 2100 GMT and national broadcaster RTE plans to publish an exit poll at 2230 GMT. The first indications of the result are expected mid-morning on Saturday, after the count begins at 0800 GMT. Many expatriate Irish have travelled home to vote in one of the few European Union countries that does not allow those abroad to vote via post or in embassies. Those away for less than 18 months remain eligible to vote at their former local polling station, and a majority appeared to back change. Analysts said a high turnout, particularly in urban areas, would likely favour the "Yes" side. "If anything, I'm sitting a little bit more comfortably after the last week having viewed the debates and the general moods and commentary of the 'No' camp," said Richard Colwell, chief executive of Red C, whose latest poll on Sunday showed 56 per cent for, 27 per cent against and 14 per cent still undecided. "But that's what everybody thought when Brexit happened. We can't be complacent about it but it does appear that it's going to be a 'Yes' vote at this stage."

Ireland votes in 'once-in-a-generation' abortion referendum

A US-based Indian engineer married his gay lover on December 30 in a traditional ceremony at Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

The two got married only a few days before the Supreme Court agreed to review criminalisation of homosexuality.&nbsp;

Yavatmal native Hrishi Mohankumar Sathawane (40) married Vinh, reportedly from Vietnam, at a hotel just a few steps away from the office of the superintendent of police.

Hrishi, who holds a BTech from IIT-Bombay, currently lives in California and has a US green card.&nbsp;

According to Hrishi&#39;s social media page, he got engaged to Vinh in mid-2017 and married later in October.&nbsp;

Although his parents were initially against his homosexual affiliation, he successfully convinced them and took their blessings before getting married.&nbsp;

The photo of the couple has made rounds on the internet.

Superintendent of Police, Yavatmal, Amarsingh Jadhav first said he did not want to comment, but later added he had ordered an investigation.

Yavatmal native Hrishi Mohankumar Sathawane (40) married Vinh, said to be from Vietnam got married at a hotel just a few steps away from the office of the superintendent of police

A US-based Indian engineer married his gay lover on December 30 in a traditional ceremony at Yavatmal, Maharashtra. The two got married only a few days before the Supreme Court agreed to review criminalisation of homosexuality. Yavatmal native Hrishi Mohankumar Sathawane (40) married Vinh, reportedly from Vietnam, at a hotel just a few steps away from the office of the superintendent of police. Hrishi, who holds a BTech from IIT-Bombay, currently lives in California and has a US green card. According to Hrishi's social media page, he got engaged to Vinh in mid-2017 and married later in October. Although his parents were initially against his homosexual affiliation, he successfully convinced them and took their blessings before getting married. The photo of the couple has made rounds on the internet. Superintendent of Police, Yavatmal, Amarsingh Jadhav first said he did not want to comment, but later added he had ordered an investigation.

US-based Indian engineer marries gay lover in Maharashtra

Australia&#39;s upper house senate on Wednesday passed a bill paving the way for the legalisation of gay marriage, rejecting a conservative push to broaden religious freedom protections.

The law is expected to pass through the lower house of parliament comfortably before Christmas after most lawmakers agreed to honour &quot;the will of Australians&quot; who voted in favour of same-sex marriage in a recent nationwide postal vote.

&quot;We are a part of an act of acceptance, an act of inclusion, an act of respect, an act of celebration, a day when this Senate declares our acceptance of our LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer) brothers and our sisters,&quot; said Australia&#39;s highest-profile gay politician, Labor&#39;s Penny Wong.

&quot;(The bill) says to so many Australians, this parliament, this country, accepts you for who you are. Your love is not lesser, and nor are you,&quot; she added.

Senators voted 43-12 in favour of the bill after rejecting calls to extend protections that allow religious ministers to refuse to conduct gay weddings to other services providers, such as bakers and florists.

After more than a decade of divisive debate, Australians have emphatically endorsed same-sex marriage with 62 percent of the 12.7 million people who participated in the nationwide postal poll voting &quot;yes&quot; this month to gay unions.

&quot;This victory is the culmination of more than a decade&#39;s work by supporters of equality,&quot; said Anna Brown of the Equality Campaign.

&quot;Each and every person who has campaigned for equality, each Australian who stood up and voted yes, and, today, every senator from every political party who voted in favour of equality and fairness.&quot;

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a moderate conservative who backed the &quot;yes&quot; camp, has hailed the result of the non-binding postal vote, vowing to pass the bill legalising marriage equality &quot;before Christmas&quot;. 
&nbsp;

Senators voted 43-12 in favour of the bill after rejecting calls to extend protections that allow religious ministers to refuse to conduct gay weddings

Australia's upper house senate on Wednesday passed a bill paving the way for the legalisation of gay marriage, rejecting a conservative push to broaden religious freedom protections. The law is expected to pass through the lower house of parliament comfortably before Christmas after most lawmakers agreed to honour "the will of Australians" who voted in favour of same-sex marriage in a recent nationwide postal vote. "We are a part of an act of acceptance, an act of inclusion, an act of respect, an act of celebration, a day when this Senate declares our acceptance of our LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer) brothers and our sisters," said Australia's highest-profile gay politician, Labor's Penny Wong. "(The bill) says to so many Australians, this parliament, this country, accepts you for who you are. Your love is not lesser, and nor are you," she added. Senators voted 43-12 in favour of the bill after rejecting calls to extend protections that allow religious ministers to refuse to conduct gay weddings to other services providers, such as bakers and florists. After more than a decade of divisive debate, Australians have emphatically endorsed same-sex marriage with 62 percent of the 12.7 million people who participated in the nationwide postal poll voting "yes" this month to gay unions. "This victory is the culmination of more than a decade's work by supporters of equality," said Anna Brown of the Equality Campaign. "Each and every person who has campaigned for equality, each Australian who stood up and voted yes, and, today, every senator from every political party who voted in favour of equality and fairness." Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a moderate conservative who backed the "yes" camp, has hailed the result of the non-binding postal vote, vowing to pass the bill legalising marriage equality "before Christmas".

Australian Senate passes gay marriage bill in key step

It was a glorious day for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gay-marriage-only-matter-of-timein-north-ireland-irish-pm-18628">Australia on Wednesday as same-sex marriage</a> got legalized in a historic, non-binding poll.&nbsp;

With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas.&nbsp;

The Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that out of the total eligible voters, around 80% participates out of which 38.4% voted against gay marriages.&nbsp;

Same-sex couples could be able to marry by Christmas, but first&nbsp;the parliament must adopt legislation giving the non-binding vote result the force of law.

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Australians paving the way for legislation to make the country the 26th nation to formalise the unions by the end of the year (Reuters)
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Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull - who voted for same-sex marriage, stated that the &quot;overwhelming&quot; outcome and is now deciding the components to be included in the bill.&nbsp;

&quot;[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality,&quot; he said after the result was announced.

&quot;They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it.&quot;

Australians broke out on the streets to celebrate the joyous day on Wednesday and marched through the streets waving flags, singing, and dancing.&nbsp;

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Thousands of people gathered in a central Sydney park, some wearing wedding dresses and sequined suits, broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried. (Reuters)
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Some conservative MPs are urging the officials to include exemptions that would let business who do not support same-sex marriages to deny supply of goods and services for the wedding.&nbsp;

That bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate as early as Thursday.&nbsp;

Conservative opponents vowed before Wednesday&#39;s result was announced to pursue their campaign for exemptions from the eventual legalization of gay marriage, which they say will lead to attacks on their freedoms of speech and religion.

&quot;If a &#39;yes&#39; vote is returned, we will do what we can to guard against restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of religion, to defend parents&#39; rights, and to protect Australian kids from being exposed to radical LGBTIQ sex and gender education in the classrooms,&quot; Lyle Shelton, a spokesman for the Coalition for Marriage, said at the weekend.

&quot;We promise our supporters that no matter the result, we will continue to work to defend Australian families,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp;

With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas.?

It was a glorious day for Australia on Wednesday as same-sex marriage got legalized in a historic, non-binding poll. With around 61.6% votes in favor of same-sex marriage of the total 12.7 million participants in the two-month long survey, the parliament has decided to implement the law before Christmas. The Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that out of the total eligible voters, around 80% participates out of which 38.4% voted against gay marriages. Same-sex couples could be able to marry by Christmas, but first the parliament must adopt legislation giving the non-binding vote result the force of law. Australians paving the way for legislation to make the country the 26th nation to formalise the unions by the end of the year (Reuters) × Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull - who voted for same-sex marriage, stated that the "overwhelming" outcome and is now deciding the components to be included in the bill. "[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality," he said after the result was announced. "They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it." Australians broke out on the streets to celebrate the joyous day on Wednesday and marched through the streets waving flags, singing, and dancing. Thousands of people gathered in a central Sydney park, some wearing wedding dresses and sequined suits, broke into a loud cheer, hugged and cried. (Reuters) × Some conservative MPs are urging the officials to include exemptions that would let business who do not support same-sex marriages to deny supply of goods and services for the wedding. That bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate as early as Thursday. Conservative opponents vowed before Wednesday's result was announced to pursue their campaign for exemptions from the eventual legalization of gay marriage, which they say will lead to attacks on their freedoms of speech and religion. "If a 'yes' vote is returned, we will do what we can to guard against restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of religion, to defend parents' rights, and to protect Australian kids from being exposed to radical LGBTIQ sex and gender education in the classrooms," Lyle Shelton, a spokesman for the Coalition for Marriage, said at the weekend. "We promise our supporters that no matter the result, we will continue to work to defend Australian families," he said.

Australia votes 'yes' to same-sex marriage

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Saturday that it was &quot;only a matter of time&quot; before Northern Ireland legalises same-sex marriage, as he attended a gay pride event in Belfast. 
 
&quot;It is, of course, a decision for the Northern Ireland Assembly, but I am confident that like other western European countries they will make that decision in due course,&quot; said Varadkar, Ireland&#39;s first openly gay leader who took office in June. 
 
Northern Ireland is the only part of Britain where same-sex marriage remains illegal, and the largest political party in the province, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is deeply opposed. 
 
The DUP, which has strong Protestant Christian fundamentalist roots, has consistently blocked the measure in the devolved assembly in Belfast. 
 
However, the party has been relatively restrained about Varadkar`s participation in the Pride event, with DUP leader Arlene Foster saying it was &quot;his own business&quot;. 
 
The Republic of Ireland, a traditionally Catholic country, voted to allow same-sex marriage in a historic referendum in 2015. 
 
Varadkar attended a Pride breakfast in Belfast although other commitments prevented him from staying for the parade through the city centre, which this year will include uniformed police officers for the first time. 
&nbsp;

Leo Varadkar said he was confident that like other western European countries, the Northern Ireland Assembly would take its decision in due course

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Saturday that it was "only a matter of time" before Northern Ireland legalises same-sex marriage, as he attended a gay pride event in Belfast. "It is, of course, a decision for the Northern Ireland Assembly, but I am confident that like other western European countries they will make that decision in due course," said Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay leader who took office in June. Northern Ireland is the only part of Britain where same-sex marriage remains illegal, and the largest political party in the province, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is deeply opposed. The DUP, which has strong Protestant Christian fundamentalist roots, has consistently blocked the measure in the devolved assembly in Belfast. However, the party has been relatively restrained about Varadkar`s participation in the Pride event, with DUP leader Arlene Foster saying it was "his own business". The Republic of Ireland, a traditionally Catholic country, voted to allow same-sex marriage in a historic referendum in 2015. Varadkar attended a Pride breakfast in Belfast although other commitments prevented him from staying for the parade through the city centre, which this year will include uniformed police officers for the first time.

Gay marriage 'only matter of time'?in North Ireland: Irish PM

Taiwan&#39;s parliament on Monday passed the first draft of a controversial marriage equality bill, moving the island a step closer to becoming the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex nuptials.

A legislative committee approved the amendment to the civil law that would allow gay couples to legally tie the knot, as dozens of opponents to the change rallied outside to demand a referendum on the divisive issue.

&quot;Stop reviewing (the bill). Put it to a referendum,&quot; protesters shouted. Some demonstrators climbed over a wall into the parliamentary grounds and were later removed by police. One man even made it as far as the committee&#39;s meeting room but was stopped before he could reach the podium.&nbsp;

Lawmaker Yu Mei-nu of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who proposed the bill, hailed Monday&#39;s decision as an example of Taiwan&#39;s &quot;mature democracy&quot; and called for calm and tolerance.

&quot;It is not the end of the world to pass such a bill. Heterosexual marriages will not be destroyed...I hope everybody will take a calm and tolerant attitude,&quot; Yu told reporters. The amendments require further vetting before they can take effect, a process Yu estimated would take around six months.

While Taiwan is considered progressive on many issues including gay rights, its roots in Confucianism translate into a strong sense of adherence to traditional values such as family loyalty and social hierarchy. Past attempts to legalise same-sex marriage stalled under the Kuomintang party, which dominated politics for decades until it was unseated by the DPP in this year&#39;s elections.&nbsp;

While support for marriage equality has gained momentum under President Tsai Ing-wen, who has openly supported legalising same-sex marriage, so too have opposing voices. &nbsp;

Both sides held rallies in the month leading up to Monday&#39;s decision, attracting tens of thousands of protesters.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Taiwan is now a step closer to becoming the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage

Taiwan's parliament on Monday passed the first draft of a controversial marriage equality bill, moving the island a step closer to becoming the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex nuptials. A legislative committee approved the amendment to the civil law that would allow gay couples to legally tie the knot, as dozens of opponents to the change rallied outside to demand a referendum on the divisive issue. "Stop reviewing (the bill). Put it to a referendum," protesters shouted. Some demonstrators climbed over a wall into the parliamentary grounds and were later removed by police. One man even made it as far as the committee's meeting room but was stopped before he could reach the podium. Lawmaker Yu Mei-nu of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who proposed the bill, hailed Monday's decision as an example of Taiwan's "mature democracy" and called for calm and tolerance. "It is not the end of the world to pass such a bill. Heterosexual marriages will not be destroyed...I hope everybody will take a calm and tolerant attitude," Yu told reporters. The amendments require further vetting before they can take effect, a process Yu estimated would take around six months. While Taiwan is considered progressive on many issues including gay rights, its roots in Confucianism translate into a strong sense of adherence to traditional values such as family loyalty and social hierarchy. Past attempts to legalise same-sex marriage stalled under the Kuomintang party, which dominated politics for decades until it was unseated by the DPP in this year's elections. While support for marriage equality has gained momentum under President Tsai Ing-wen, who has openly supported legalising same-sex marriage, so too have opposing voices. Both sides held rallies in the month leading up to Monday's decision, attracting tens of thousands of protesters. (AFP)

Taiwan passes first draft of marriage equality bill

Taiwan is expected to become the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriages following a likely decision to present this proposal before a parliamentary committee, reports CNN. 
 
Taiwan has a large gay community and its annual gay pride parade is said to be the biggest in Asia. 
 
It is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of safeguarding and promoting LGBT rights, giving legal status to homosexuality and permitting sex change operations. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m sure gay marriage will be legalised soon,&quot; said Chang, 45, who runs one of Taipei&#39;s most famous gay bars, Dalida, in the heart of the city&#39;s gay village. 
 
With the Liberal Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in power, expectations are high that Taiwan will become the first place in Asia to permit same-sex marriage. 
 
Tsai Ing-wen who was sworn in as Taiwan&#39;s first female President in May this year, has repeatedly voiced her support for sexual equality and LGBT rights. 
 
However, homosexuality is still controversial with the older generation, and gay marriage is opposed by politically influential social conservative and Christian groups. 
 
Previously, a bill raised to legalise same sex marriage in 2012 failed in the parliament and Yu Mei-Nu, the DPP legislator who proposed the last bill, says she is preparing to try again. She expects to present the bill later this year.&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

Taiwan has a large gay community and its annual gay pride parade is said to be the biggest in Asia

Taiwan is expected to become the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriages following a likely decision to present this proposal before a parliamentary committee, reports CNN. Taiwan has a large gay community and its annual gay pride parade is said to be the biggest in Asia. It is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of safeguarding and promoting LGBT rights, giving legal status to homosexuality and permitting sex change operations. "I'm sure gay marriage will be legalised soon," said Chang, 45, who runs one of Taipei's most famous gay bars, Dalida, in the heart of the city's gay village. With the Liberal Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in power, expectations are high that Taiwan will become the first place in Asia to permit same-sex marriage. Tsai Ing-wen who was sworn in as Taiwan's first female President in May this year, has repeatedly voiced her support for sexual equality and LGBT rights. However, homosexuality is still controversial with the older generation, and gay marriage is opposed by politically influential social conservative and Christian groups. Previously, a bill raised to legalise same sex marriage in 2012 failed in the parliament and Yu Mei-Nu, the DPP legislator who proposed the last bill, says she is preparing to try again. She expects to present the bill later this year. (ANI)

Taiwan may become the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

Thousands of Australians marched at same-sex marriage rallies across the country today, calling on whichever party wins a July 2 national election to quickly introduce same-sex marriage laws. 
 
Conservative Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull supports same-sex marriage and has pledged a public vote on the issue before the end of 2016. 
 
The Labour opposition will skip a public vote and introduce a bill to parliament within 100 days if it wins the election. 
 
Opinion polls say Turnbull&#39;s Conservative coalition and Labour are neck-and-neck ahead of the election. 
 
Protesters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth marched carrying rainbow flags and signs which read &quot;Equality now&quot;. 
 
Some dressed up in costumes of former prime minister Tony Abbott, an opponent of same-sex marriage, who Turnbull ousted in a party room coup last September. 
 
Openly-gay Labour candidate Pat O&#39;Neill, who marched in Brisbane, said the election will give the gay community a &quot;voice at the ballot box&quot;, reported Australian Associated Press (AAP). 
 
Greens senator Larissa Waters told the crowd a public vote was a waste of time. &quot;It&#39;s not going to be binding on their (government) members - what a joke,&quot; said Waters, reported AAP. 
 
Australia has been criticised by international human rights groups over its slowness to act on same-sex marriage. Several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, United States, France, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, have already amended their marriage laws to recognise same-sex unions. 
 
Turnbull, considered a moderate, brushed off criticism from conservatives to become the first sitting prime minister to attend Sydney&#39;s annual gay Mardi Gras parade in March. 
 
Australia has seen a revolving door of political leadership in recent years. If Turnbull loses on July 2, the change in prime minister would be the fifth since 2010. 
 
(Reuters)

The rally-goers demand that whichever party wins the July 2 national election should quickly introduce same-sex marriage laws

Thousands of Australians marched at same-sex marriage rallies across the country today, calling on whichever party wins a July 2 national election to quickly introduce same-sex marriage laws. Conservative Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull supports same-sex marriage and has pledged a public vote on the issue before the end of 2016. The Labour opposition will skip a public vote and introduce a bill to parliament within 100 days if it wins the election. Opinion polls say Turnbull's Conservative coalition and Labour are neck-and-neck ahead of the election. Protesters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth marched carrying rainbow flags and signs which read "Equality now". Some dressed up in costumes of former prime minister Tony Abbott, an opponent of same-sex marriage, who Turnbull ousted in a party room coup last September. Openly-gay Labour candidate Pat O'Neill, who marched in Brisbane, said the election will give the gay community a "voice at the ballot box", reported Australian Associated Press (AAP). Greens senator Larissa Waters told the crowd a public vote was a waste of time. "It's not going to be binding on their (government) members - what a joke," said Waters, reported AAP. Australia has been criticised by international human rights groups over its slowness to act on same-sex marriage. Several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, United States, France, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, have already amended their marriage laws to recognise same-sex unions. Turnbull, considered a moderate, brushed off criticism from conservatives to become the first sitting prime minister to attend Sydney's annual gay Mardi Gras parade in March. Australia has seen a revolving door of political leadership in recent years. If Turnbull loses on July 2, the change in prime minister would be the fifth since 2010. (Reuters)

Thousands rally in Australia for same-sex marriage

Australia&#39;s Prime Minister insisted today a referendum on legalising same-sex marriage will be held this year if his government is re-elected despite the Labor opposition calling it &quot;a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia&quot;. 
 
The country holds elections on July 2 with the latest opinion poll showing the ruling Liberal-led coalition and Labour neck-and-neck. 
 
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is well-known for his support of gay marriage, is in favour of a referendum on the issue instead of a parliamentary vote. 
 
But Labor has hardened its language against a public vote, in what commentators said was a strategic move to set up the issue as a clear choice on polling day. 
 
&quot;We have a very clear policy which is that every Australian will get a vote on the subject,&quot; Turnbull, the first sitting Australian leader to attend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, told reporters. 
 
&quot;Of course, if we are successful on July 2, then I have every expectation that the parliament will swiftly legislate for a plebiscite and a plebiscite will be held shortly after parliament resumes, which I would assume to be in August. 
 
&quot;So I would hope that the plebiscite could be held before the end of the year.&quot; 
 
Labor has pledged to hold a parliamentary vote to change the Marriage Act within 100 days if it wins office, and warned that allowing the public to decide risked exposing underlying homophobia. 
 
It has suggested a plebiscite could unleash hateful advertising and expose children of gay parents to negative messages. 
 
&quot;In modern Australia, no one should have to justify their sexuality or their love, to anyone else,&quot; Labor leader Bill Shorten said at Labor&#39;s official election campaign launch on Sunday. 
 
&quot;And instead of sitting in judgement, instead of providing a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia, we will gift every Australian an equal right in respect of love. Nothing less.&quot; 
 
Australia is seen as lagging behind a growing number of countries on marriage reform and popular support for change is high. 
 
Same-sex couples can have civil unions or register their relationships in most states across Australia, but the government does not consider them married under national law. 
 
The issue is shaping up as a key election issue, along with economic management, immigration, and climate change, in polls too close to call. 
 
A Newspoll in The Australian broadsheet today showed the outcome was on a knife edge with the Liberals and Labor both locked at 50-50 on a two-party basis. 
 
The poll of 1,805 people from June 16-19 has Turnbull favoured as the better Prime Minister on 46 per cent to Shorten&#39;s 31 per cent, but neither of them polled well on performance satisfaction. 
(AFP) 
 
&nbsp;

His opposition called it 'a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia'

Australia's Prime Minister insisted today a referendum on legalising same-sex marriage will be held this year if his government is re-elected despite the Labor opposition calling it "a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia". The country holds elections on July 2 with the latest opinion poll showing the ruling Liberal-led coalition and Labour neck-and-neck. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is well-known for his support of gay marriage, is in favour of a referendum on the issue instead of a parliamentary vote. But Labor has hardened its language against a public vote, in what commentators said was a strategic move to set up the issue as a clear choice on polling day. "We have a very clear policy which is that every Australian will get a vote on the subject," Turnbull, the first sitting Australian leader to attend the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, told reporters. "Of course, if we are successful on July 2, then I have every expectation that the parliament will swiftly legislate for a plebiscite and a plebiscite will be held shortly after parliament resumes, which I would assume to be in August. "So I would hope that the plebiscite could be held before the end of the year." Labor has pledged to hold a parliamentary vote to change the Marriage Act within 100 days if it wins office, and warned that allowing the public to decide risked exposing underlying homophobia. It has suggested a plebiscite could unleash hateful advertising and expose children of gay parents to negative messages. "In modern Australia, no one should have to justify their sexuality or their love, to anyone else," Labor leader Bill Shorten said at Labor's official election campaign launch on Sunday. "And instead of sitting in judgement, instead of providing a taxpayer-funded platform for homophobia, we will gift every Australian an equal right in respect of love. Nothing less." Australia is seen as lagging behind a growing number of countries on marriage reform and popular support for change is high. Same-sex couples can have civil unions or register their relationships in most states across Australia, but the government does not consider them married under national law. The issue is shaping up as a key election issue, along with economic management, immigration, and climate change, in polls too close to call. A Newspoll in The Australian broadsheet today showed the outcome was on a knife edge with the Liberals and Labor both locked at 50-50 on a two-party basis. The poll of 1,805 people from June 16-19 has Turnbull favoured as the better Prime Minister on 46 per cent to Shorten's 31 per cent, but neither of them polled well on performance satisfaction. (AFP)

Australian PM vows to legalise same-sex marriage, if re-elected

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