16 May 2019 | 07:59 AM UTC
Taiwan: Gay rights rally planned in Taipei on May 17
LGBT rights group calls for demonstration near legislative building in Taipei on May 17; localized disruptions expected
Event
Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, an LGBT rights group, is calling for a rally in Taipei on Friday, May 17, to call for marriage equality. The rally is planned to be held outside the Legislative Yuan building in the Zhongzheng district as the legislature plans to vote on three bills addressing same-sex marriage. Around 1500 people gathered on May 14 during a similar rally and Friday's rally is expected to be well attended. Localized transportation disruptions and heightened security measures are likely during the event. Further protests and rallies are possible in the coming days should the legislative debate continue.
Context
Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on three same-sex marriage bills on May 17. The Constitutional Court ruled in 2017 that the government must legalized same-sex marriage by Thursday, May 24. One bill proposed by the executive government is widely supported by gay rights groups, though another bill proposed by the opposition party Kuomintang is also under consideration and has been criticized by gay rights groups for several restrictions on marriage and other rights.
Advice
Individuals in Taipei are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence.
