TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman and presidential candidate Lai Ching-te led his party in participating in the 21st Taiwan Pride Parade on Saturday (Oct. 28).
As the only presidential candidate present, Lai said the DPP has always stood with everyone on the road to marriage equality.
"I will stand with everyone, advance on the road of diversity, support you to be yourself, and make Taiwan more beautiful," he added.
Lai also expressed gratitude to the people who have tirelessly worked for same-sex marriage over the years.
"Because of your sacrifices and contributions, we have a diverse, vibrant society, and made Taiwan the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage," he said.
Former Premier Su Tseng-chang said he was pleased to be able to witness Taiwan becoming the first Asian nation to achieve marriage equality and urged everyone to cherish each other and work together to bring more happiness to Taiwan.
Previous attempts by then Legislator Hsiao Bi-khim, Cheng Li-chun and Yu Mei-nu to pass marriage equality bills in 2006 and 2013 were not successful.
It wasn't until 2019 that the same-sex marriage bill was passed under the collaboration of the DPP legislative caucus, former Premier Su, and the administrative team.
