Modern and changing weddingsEast Asia
Same-sex marriage in Taiwan
The legal recognition of same-sex unions in Taiwan, the first in Asia.
Taiwan became the first Asian jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage on May 24, 2019. This followed a 2017 Constitutional Court ruling that required legislative changes to ensure equality and freedom of marriage for all couples.
When is Same-sex marriage in Taiwan in 2027?
Same-sex marriage in Taiwan 2027 is on Monday, 24 May 2027. Other years: 2026, Sunday, 24 May 2026; 2028, Wednesday, 24 May 2028.
Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first country in Asia to do so. The change followed a constitutional court decision that found existing laws discriminatory. Couples can now register their unions with full legal rights, including adoption and inheritance.
Legal history
The path to legal recognition began with a 2017 Constitutional Court ruling. The court declared that the Civil Code's definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was unconstitutional. It gave lawmakers two years to amend the law or allow automatic registration. In response, the government drafted a separate bill specifically for same-sex couples rather than changing the traditional Civil Code. This new legislation passed through the Legislative Yuan in May 2019 and took effect shortly after.
Partnership registration
Before full marriage equality, many local governments offered partnership registration. This system started in 2015 in cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung. It provided limited rights such as medical consent and parental leave. By 2017, most counties had adopted this system. After 2019, Taiwanese couples could convert these partnerships into marriages. Foreign couples from countries where same-sex marriage is legal could also register partnerships starting in 2020.
Current rights
Married same-sex couples in Taiwan enjoy the same legal status as heterosexual couples. This includes rights to property, social welfare, and medical care. In 2023, the right to adopt children was granted to same-sex couples. Cross-strait couples were also allowed to marry in 2024, subject to standard legal procedures. Despite these advances, the Civil Code still uses gender-specific terms like husband and wife.
How Same-sex marriage in Taiwan is kept
Couples apply for marriage registration at local civil affairs offices. They must provide identification and proof of eligibility. The process is similar to heterosexual marriage registration. Once registered, the couple receives a marriage certificate. This grants them full legal recognition under Taiwanese law.
When and where
Available year-round since May 24, 2019. Prior to this, partnership registration was available in various municipalities starting in 2015.
Primarily in Taiwan. Registration is available nationwide through local civil affairs offices. Major cities like Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung were early adopters of partnership systems.
What Same-sex marriage in Taiwan means
The union represents legal equality and social acceptance. It marks a shift from traditional definitions of family to inclusive ones. The ceremony itself is often simple, focusing on the legal commitment rather than elaborate rituals.
Who takes part
- The couple: Apply for registration and sign the marriage contract.
- Civil officials: Verify documents and issue the marriage certificate.
- Witnesses: Sign the registration form as required by law.
If you are a guest
Guests attend the wedding ceremony if one is held. They may give gifts or offer blessings. There are no specific traditional customs for guests beyond general wedding etiquette.
Then and now
The partnership registration system is being phased out as more couples convert to marriage. Some activists note that while legal rights exist, social acceptance varies. The legal framework continues to evolve with recent updates on adoption and cross-strait marriages.
On the wedding table
Symbols: The ring
Same-sex marriage in Taiwan dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Same-sex marriage in Taiwan date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, 24 May 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, 24 May 2027 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 24 May 2028 |
Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in Taiwan
When is Same-sex marriage in Taiwan in 2027?
Same-sex marriage in Taiwan 2027 is on Monday, 24 May 2027. Other years: 2026, Sunday, 24 May 2026; 2028, Wednesday, 24 May 2028.
Can same-sex couples adopt children in Taiwan?
Yes, since 2023, same-sex couples have been granted the right to adopt children.
What was the partnership registration system?
It was a local government program offering limited rights to same-sex couples before national marriage equality was achieved.
See also
Recognition of same-sex unions in ItalyThe legal framework that grants same-sex couples rights and protections in Italy.Same-sex marriage in MaltaThe legal recognition of same-sex marriage and civil unions in Malta.
Same-sex marriage in ArgentinaThe legal recognition of same-sex unions that made Argentina the first nation in Latin America to permit them.Good reading and sources
- ProfessorThe Guardian, Article
- Rallies as Taiwan split over gay marriageABC News Australia, Article
- Taiwan top court hears landmark gay marriage caseBBC, Article
- Anti-gay marriage groups win Taiwan referendum battleThe Straits Times, Article
- ProfessorThe Guardian, Article
- Rallies as Taiwan split over gay marriageABC News Australia, Article
- Taiwan top court hears landmark gay marriage caseBBC, Article
- Anti-gay marriage groups win Taiwan referendum battleThe Straits Times, Article
- Same-sex marriage in Taiwan on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Same-sex marriage in Taiwan", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryShaadi rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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