In a recent survey conducted by the Executive Yuan's Department of Gender Equality, it was found that nearly 70% of Taiwanese support marriage equality for same-sex couples, marking a significant increase from before it was legalized five years ago [e8004bfe]. The survey, which aims to gauge public opinion on matters of gender equality, also revealed that 76.9% of respondents believe that same-sex couples should have the right to adopt children [e8004bfe].
This data comes as Taiwan approaches the five-year anniversary of the legalization of marriage equality, which was officially recognized in 2019 following a Council of Grand Justices decision in 2017 that declared the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional [e8004bfe]. The survey results show a continuous upward trend in support for marriage equality, with this year's figure being 6.5 percentage points higher than last year's and 31.7 percentage points higher than before legalization in 2018 [e8004bfe].
The survey was conducted between April 19 and 23 among people aged 20 or older and had a margin of error of 2.99 percentage points [e8004bfe]. This growing support for marriage equality in Taiwan reflects the country's progress in LGBTQ+ rights and highlights the changing attitudes and acceptance of same-sex relationships in Taiwanese society [e8004bfe].
Meanwhile, Taiwan's progress in LGBTQ+ rights is further exemplified by the groundbreaking achievements of Huang Jie and Miao Poya, two prominent gay politicians in the country [30763ac0]. Huang Jie, the island's first openly gay legislator, and Miao Poya, a lesbian Taipei city councillor, have made history by winning seats in parliament [30763ac0]. Their victories demonstrate Taiwan's status as one of the most progressive places in Asia for gay rights, having legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and recognizing transnational LGBTQ+ couples and allowing gay couples to adopt [30763ac0].
Huang Jie, who feels a certain responsibility to push for LGBTQ+ rights, advocates for same-sex couples to have biological children, highlighting the ongoing battle for equal rights and recognition of same-sex families in Taiwan [30763ac0]. Miao Poya, on the other hand, faced challenges in convincing voters to view her beyond her sexual preferences, underscoring the need for continued efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination [30763ac0].
While Taiwan's government has led the way in promoting LGBTQ+ rights, there are still pockets of society that are not as accepting, and concerns remain about a resurgence in conservative politics and the manipulation of LGBTQ+ issues by conservative political powers [30763ac0]. However, both Huang Jie and Miao Poya remain hopeful for a Taiwan where personal identity is not a key deciding factor in choosing a president, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equality in the country's political landscape [30763ac0].
The survey conducted in Taiwan and the achievements of Huang Jie and Miao Poya highlight the ongoing battle for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. These developments demonstrate the growing support for marriage equality and the progress being made in LGBTQ+ rights in Taiwan, while also shedding light on the challenges that still exist in achieving full acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community [e8004bfe] [30763ac0].
In Singapore, several politicians, including Members of Parliament from the People's Action Party (PAP) and opposition politicians, attended the Pink Dot rally, despite the emergence of a scorecard grading politicians based on their traditional stances on family values [a59b9ed8]. The rally, held at Hong Lim Park, featured 29 community booths, performances by local acts, and speakers addressing LGBTQ issues [a59b9ed8]. Pink Dot spokesperson Clement Tan highlighted the theme of inclusivity and invited attendees to pen messages to Prime Minister Wong [a59b9ed8]. The rally took place after the repeal of Section 377A, a law criminalizing gay sex [a59b9ed8].
The scorecard released by Protect Singapore grades politicians based on their stances towards LGBTQ issues, including attendance at Pink Dot. PAP MP Darryl David questioned the purpose of the scorecard and expressed support for diversity. Other politicians from various parties, including the Workers' Party, Progress Singapore Party, and Red Dot United, also attended the event [a59b9ed8].
These recent events in Singapore highlight the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in the country, as politicians from different parties come together to support the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for inclusivity and diversity [a59b9ed8].