Gay marriage legislation pending

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A bill that would legalize gay marriage is being debated by the Taiwanese legislature.

What does the change mean? If the bill becomes law, Taiwan would be the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.

• Implementation time frame: Debate on the bill has begun and could be voted on by the end of the year or early next year.
• Who is affected: Same-sex couples in Taiwan.
• Business impact: If it passes, the law would make Taiwan an attractive option for foreign employees in same-sex marriages who are relocating to Asia.
• Next steps: The outcome of the legislative vote is too close to predict.

Background: Taiwan’s legislative yuan began debating the bill Nov. 17. The bill would define marriage as between two people without regard to gender. President Tsai Ing-wen has voiced support for the bill, with tens of thousands of demonstrators rallying both for and against it.

BAL Analysis: BAL is watching progress of the bill and will update clients when the vote occurs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Taiwan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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