Developments are moving quickly as a court-ordered deadline to achieve marriage equality in Taiwan approaches. An enforcement act for Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 748 (the official court decision ruling same-sex marriage a constitutional right) was passed by the Legislature on May 17 after three readings, and then promulgated by President Tsai Ing-wen on May 22. Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday announced that the new law will take effect tomorrow, May 24. He instructed responsible ministries and agencies to be certain to make all appropriate preparations and put complementary measures in place to ensure a welcoming and cheerful mood for all, while at the same time strengthening guidance and making timely adjustments as necessary.
Premier Su explained that in order to respect both the interpretation of the Constitutional Court's justices as well as the will of the voters in last year's referendums, the government opted to legalize same-sex marriage via dedicated legislation, and leave the Civil Code untouched and unchanged. The premier expressed thanks to myriad supporters and gratitude for the empathy shown by the nation's populace. This generosity of spirit among the public has enabled society to take yet another step forward, and opened a window for the world to see the effort that Taiwan devotes to safeguarding human rights.
Regardless of sexual orientation, said Premier Su, the people of Taiwan all share this land and go about their daily lives together. All that is needed is mutual tolerance, acceptance of those who are different, and the ability to reciprocate kindness with kindness for Taiwan to shine as a nation of mutual respect and decency.