Taiwan becomes the first country in Asia to legalize the marriage for same sex couples. The highest court ruled that the law preventing people of the same sex from marrying violates their right for equality. The parliament now has two years to either amend existing laws or to pass new ones. It is yet unsure how far parliament is willing to go and if gay couples will have the same rights and get the same treatment.
The decision triggered mass protests by conservatives led by an opposition of religious and parents groups. Gays and lesbians in Taiwan have also formed a lobby over the recent years and the country holds the biggest annual gay pride event in the region.
The momentum for marriage equality is good as current president Tsai Ing-wen openly supports gay marriage. Crowds gathered in front of the parliament to celebrate the decision and to express their happiness.
marriage (ˈmærɪʤ) – die Ehe, die Hochzeit
highest court (haɪ kɔ:t) – der oberste Gerichtshof
to rule (ru:l) – regieren, hier: beschließen
law (lɔ) – das Gesetz
to prevent (prɪˈvent) – etwas verhindern
to violate (ˈvaɪəleɪt) – etwas verletzen (rechtlich)
right (raɪt) – das Recht
equality (ɪˈkwɒləti) – die Gleichberechtigung
to amend (əˈmend) – etwas ergänzen, abändern
to pass (pɑ:s) – hier: ein Gesetz verabschieden
treatment (ˈtri:tmənt) – die Behandlung, Umgang
decision (dɪˈsɪʒən) – die Entscheidung
to trigger (ˈtrɪgəʳ) – etwas auslösen
recent (ˈri:sənt) – kürzlich
annual (ˈænjuəl) – jährlichcurrent
current (ˈkʌrənt) – gegenwärtig, aktuell
to support (səˈpɔ:t) – etwas unterstützen
crowd (kraʊd) – die (Menschen)menge
to gather (ˈgæðəʳ) – hier: versammeln
to celebrate (ˈseləbreɪt) – feiern