Tens of thousands participate in Taiwan s Gay Pride Parade

Taipei Oct 28 (IANS) Tens of thousands of people from more than 20 countries on Saturday took part in Taiwan s Gay Pride Parade which played out in the nation s capital Taipei.

The rally led by a huge rainbow flag kicked off from Ketagalan Boulevard and had the highest attendance in the event s 14 years history according to officials.

"The slogan of this year s edition is Make Love Not War - Sex Ed (education) is the Way to Go. The shared hope is to legalize gay marriage soon " an organisers spokesman told Efe.

Following a Constitutional Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriage five months ago Taiwan was waiting for legislation to be approved that would turn it into the first Asian country to legalize equal marriage.

Such marriages should be legal within two years.

This year s march has presented the island as Asian a regional pioneer in gay rights and recognized the country s work offering shelter to LGBT people escaping persecution in other countries.

A total of 12 countries as well as the European Union praised Taiwan for promoting respect and tolerance.

Taiwan s pride march attracted a large contingent of foreign participants.

However several LGBT groups have criticized the delay in implementing the laws urging for them to be approved immediately.

--IANS
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