Taiwan has voted to reject same-sex marriage quashing hopes that the country could be the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.
People in Taiwan headed to the polls over the weekend and voted against a number of questions on same-sex marriage, including a questions that asked if marriage regulations “should be used to guarantee the rights of same-sex couples to get married”.
It comes after a high court ruled in favour of same-sex unions last year and ordered that they be legalised within two years.
The ballot is advisory only and the government said that it would still press on with new laws but they would now be weaker.
According to the BBC, authorities in the country will pass a special law without amending the civil code.
This could mean that gay couples are given legal protection but are not allowed to marry.
The referendum result will be a blow to gay rights activists in the country who have been working to ensure that progressive Taiwan would be the first country in Asia to recognise same-sex marriage.
In the run up to the elections, opponents of same-sex marriage held rallies and mobilised votes online.
CNN reports that rumours were circulated on social media as to what could happen in Taiwan if same-sex marriage became legal. There were also reports that other places who have passed same-sex marriage laws have regretted it.
Annie Huang, Amnesty International Taiwan’s Acting Director said: “The result is a bitter blow and a step backwards for human rights in Taiwan. However, despite this setback, we remain confident that love and equality will ultimately prevail.”
