In a first for Asia, Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage on Friday, which is also the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. 

Legislators in Taiwan voted in favor of a bill allowing same-sex couples to form “exclusive permanent unions” with a clause that states same-sex couples would be able to “register for marriage” at household registration agencies. Same-sex couples will be able to register for marriage after May 24. 

In 2017, Taiwan’s top judicial body ruled that it was “unconstitutional” to restrict same-sex couples from getting married. It gave the legislature two years to work amend laws accordingly, and set May 24 as a deadline for the changes.  

LGBTQ rights supporters also gathered outside the legislature in Taipei on Friday. “I’m deeply moved,” said Liu Tzu-wei, waiting in the rain for the ruling outside the legislature. “It’s really emotional to see my gay friends finally have the right to get married.” 

Follow us for a full story on the landmark bill, to come soon.