Taiwan: Thousands protest in opposition of marriage equality

Tens of thousands gathered in Taiwan's capital in protest of a proposed bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

From Focus Taiwan:

The demonstrators, many of whom were parents and children, crowded Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office, raising pink placards that read "Made by Daddy and Mommy," "Defend Marriage" and "Oppose Amendment to Civil Code Article 972," which states that an agreement to marry shall be made by the "male" and "female" parties in a relationship.

The Coalition for the Happiness of Our Next Generation, one of the organizers of the event, argues that allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children will encourage "sexual liberation," undermine traditional family values and confuse gender roles for children. Any changes to the marriage system should be put to a national referendum, the coalition said.

"God created human beings as male and female. Only the union of a man and a woman can create the next generation, and the ability to create offspring is an important function of a family," said 40-year-old Ann Huang, who joined the rally with her friends.

The legislation passed in the national legislature on it's first reading and is currently before committees.

According to BBC, polls show that while the country is divided on the issue, 53% of Taiwan supports marriage equality.

(via JMG)