Justice Minister Luo Ying-shay says that Taiwan’s Same-sex Partnership Act is still in the works. She was speaking on Monday, with increasing numbers of people voicing their support for same-sex marriage.
Luo said, however, that a consensus is needed to push forward the same-sex partnership legislation.
“When it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, we are seeking public opinion on the Cabinet’s website," said Luo.
"There are three different issues, and different points of view on each, so we will continue to collect feedback through early November," she said. "There are differing points of view, although they will gradually converge. Otherwise, we probably will have to take a more gradual path forward. I think as long as a consensus is reached, the justice ministry will respect the majority view point and push for legislation that is acceptable to everyone. From the perspectives of human rights, we respect individuals’ freedom to choose. After all, that’s something basic in a democracy.”
Three cities in Taiwan are allowing gay couples to register their relationships with household registration offices. Kaohsiung started doing so in May, followed by Taipei and Taichung. However, registration does not offer these couples any additional legal rights.