TAIPEI: Same-Sex couples in Taiwan have begun to legally marry from today on. Just a week before, Taiwan parliament legalized the same-sex marriage. Taiwan is now the first place in Asia to recognize same sex marriage.

Same-sex couples in Taiwan began signing up at marriage registration offices from early in morning today around Taipei. It is turning point for entire Asia as countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have resisted the attempt of same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights.

China is watching the event with mixed feelings because the space for LGBTQ activism is contracting there. LGBTQ people in Asia face persistent discrimination and prejudices from both the government and public.

LGBTQ activists raise their voice for enjoying rights, such as the ability to jointly adopt children, inherit property and marry their partners. Next demand for same sex couples in Taiwan is about adoption of children.

(Agencies)