Taipei: After years of debates and protests, Taiwan is all set to legalise same-sex marriage and will in all probability be the first in Asia to do so.

Following favourable climate both in the island's legislature and outside, Taiwan is more closer than ever to becoming the first place in Asia with marriage equality. President Tsai Ing-wen spoke in favor of same-sex marriage. Her Democratic Progressive Party, which is largely sympathetic to gay rights, holds the majority in the Legislative Yuan. Interestingly, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, the opposition Nationalist Party and the smaller New Power Party have each proposed same-sex marriage bills. If a bill comes to a vote in the Legislative Yuan, it will need the support of at least 57 of the body’s 113 lawmakers for passage. So far, the bills have collectively received backing from 56 legislators.

Kaohsiung became the first city in Taiwan to register same-sex couples followed immediately by Taipei.

Outside the legislature, some Taiwanese cities are already extending symbolic recognition of same-sex relationships. For instance, Kaohsiung became the first city in Taiwan to register same-sex couples followed immediately by Taipei. Also, Kaohsiung issued its first same-sex “partnership cards” to gay couples. The cards would make it easier to contact 'partners' in emergencies and for hospitals to include 'partners' in medical decisions and also permit them to adopt children.

Public opinion in Taiwan is strongly in favour of same-sex marriage. This was evident from the large turnout last month for the 14th L.G.B.T. Pride Parade in Taipei, which attracted about 80,000 participants from Taiwan and around Asia. Miao Poya, a gay rights advocate, said, “support for marriage equality is especially strong among younger people.” Gay-friendly sex education in Taiwan’s public schools and support from 'straight' celebrities have helped increase tolerance, she said.

However, the going might not be all smooth sailing for the bill in the legislature. Among the major opponents to the issue is the 'Alliance of Religious Groups for the Love of Families Taiwan'. The Alliance is preparing to present its views to legislators from the governing body as well as the opposition parties and explain in detail the social, legal and religious impact of legalising same-sex marriages.

Whichever direction the winds blow in early 2017, Taiwan has taken the first bold steps in legalising same-sex marriage both in legislature and outside.