asia
Big setback for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong
A Hong Kong court has ruled against lifting a ban on same-sex marriages and even civil unions in the Asian nation. A lesbian woman, known as “MK”, took the issue to court, arguing the ban on same-sex marriage violated her constitutional rights. But the country’s Court of First Instance ruled the case’s evidence was not …
Gay man begins legal challenge against Singapore’s anti-gay laws
A prominent LGBTIQ activist has filed a new legal challenge against Singapore’s law criminalising gay sex. Dr Roy Tan (pictured above) was the main organiser of Singapore’s first Pink Dot event in 2009. The now-annual festival celebrates the LGBTIQ community. Dr Tan is heading to Singapore’s High Court to argue the law banning gay sex, …
Activists defiant after Philippines rejects same-sex marriage
The Philippines’ Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a gay man’s legal bid to allow same-sex marriage in the country. Lead plaintiff Jesus Falcis sought to declare parts of the Family Code prohibiting same-sex marriage to be unconstitutional. The legal provisions limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Falcis argued the law …
Gay sex vid rocks govt – another homosexual scandal
Gay sex vids circulated on social media in Malaysia purport to show Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali in sex acts with another man. Colonial-era Malaysian laws threaten up to 20 years imprisonment for gay sex. It’s déjà vu all over again for the south-east Asian country. Once again, a rising political star finds his political …
Hong Kong government says marriage ‘no longer special’ if gay couples wed
A Hong Kong government lawyer has told the country’s top court marriage would “no longer be special” if same-sex marriage is legalised. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriages earlier this month. More than 300 couples tied the knot in jubilant scenes in the country last Friday. Meanwhile, a Hong Kong …
The nephew of Singapore’s Prime Minister married his boyfriend
Li Huanwu, the nephew of Singapore’s Prime Minister, has tied the knot with his partner in South Africa. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Singapore, and gay sex is still illegal under the country’s Colonial-era Penal Code. Huanwu and his partner Heng Yirui shared the news of their marriage late last week. Yirui shared photos …
Taiwan celebrates first official same-sex weddings in Asia
Around 300 same-sex couples in Taiwan tied the knot on the first day of the country’s same-sex marriage legislation coming into effect. Taiwan made history last week when it became the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage. More than 150 same-sex couples were scheduled to register marriages in capital city Taipei alone on Friday, …
Taiwan passes same-sex marriage legislation in historic first for Asia
Taiwan’s parliament has passed same-sex marriage legislation in a historic first for Asia. The country’s government passed legislation on Friday allowing same-sex couples legal marriage rights, including in areas such as taxes, insurance and adoption. Ahead of the vote, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said, “Today, we have a chance to make history and show the …
King of the Catwalk says news reports of Brunei exaggerated
The King of the Catwalk, Sinon Loresca caused a social media firestorm last week over a visit to Brunei. The openly gay Filipino social media influencer dismissed recent protests against the sultanate. He told his 1.6 million Facebook and half million Instagram followers “some news so exaggerated.” That ‘exaggerated’ news reported on laws allowing religious …
George Clooney calls for full repeal of Brunei’s anti-gay laws
George Clooney has welcomed the Sultan of Brunei’s backdown on its death penalty for gay sex but vowed to keep up pressure on the country until the laws are repealed completely. The actor led calls to boycott Brunei-owned hotels and properties after the small southeast Asian nation introduced the death penalty for homosexuality as part …