Tsai said earlier that she recognised the issue had divided “families, generations and even inside religious groups”. Taiwan has become the first Asian state to legalise same - sex marriage . Part of a bill enabling gay couples to form “ exclusive permanent unions ” and apply for marriage registration was comfortably passed by lawmakers on 17 May. The country ’s president , Tsai Ing - wen , who had called for the change , tweeted : “ We took a big step towards true equality , and made Taiwan a better country ” . Adoption rights for same - sex couples are still being debated . Activists in Taiwan said they would continue to campaign for further reforms , including the recognition of transnational same - sex marriages .
Taiwan has become the first Asian state to legalise same - sex marriage . Part of a bill enabling gay couples to form “ exclusive permanent unions ” and apply for marriage registration was comfortably passed by lawmakers on 17 May. The country ’s president , Tsai Ing - wen , who had called for the change , tweeted : “ We took a big step towards true equality , and made Taiwan a better country ” . Adoption rights for same - sex couples are still being debated . Activists in Taiwan said they would continue to campaign for further reforms , including the recognition of transnational same - sex marriages .