Ten same-sex couples were married in a mass wedding held in Taiwan, that officially opened to gay couples for the first time since it began in 1973.
The government-hosted event marries over 100 couples in the capital city of Taipei.
Despite gay marriage not being legal in Taiwan, 10 same-sex couples exchanged vows in the event, which was presided over by Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je and took place in the University of Taipei’s sports stadium. While the move is a big step for LGBT rights, the marriages between the same-sex couples are not legally binding.
LGBT rights activist Nelson Chen – who took part in the mass wedding with his partner Kao Chih-wei, said: “The wedding today not only marks the 10th anniversary of our happiness and companionship, it is also our way to show practical support for the Taipei city government, for its decision to include gay couples in its mass wedding,” he said.
“Even though same-sex marriage is not yet legalised in Taiwan, if more gay couples can bravely come forward, it will set a great example for the public,” he told Central News Agency.
