Taiwanese same-sex couples wed at vibrant banquet
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — More than 1,000 people attended a mass wedding banquet in Taiwan’s capital to celebrate the marriage of same-sex couples after a landmark decision legalizing the unions.
Taiwan became the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage last week following a vote by the island’s legislature.
LGBT couples clad in flowing white gowns and matching suits gathered in Taipei on Saturday evening to walk down a red carpet flanked by cheering supporters. Taiwan’s state Central News Agency reported that more than 1,600 guests were in attendance, including 20 same-sex couples who recently tied the knot.
“Never did we give up hope that we would one day get married,” said Janet Hsu, a 38-year-old civil servant who married her partner.
They and other pairs were honored in a gala that featured an emcee who wished them “100 years of happiness.” A drag queen also performed with a group of scantily clad men.
The banquet seated 160 tables and served nine courses of traditional Taiwanese food, according to the Central News Agency.
Taiwan split with mainland China amid a civil war in 1949. China’s ruling Communist Party considers the island part of its territory.
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.