Homosexual rights association opens doors in Kaohsiung

Gay pride has come to Kaohsiung with the formal establishment yesterday of an officially sanctioned homosexual human rights association (台灣同志人權協會).

The association held an open house yesterday at the city council building to mark a fresh start for homosexual rights in Taiwan.

The association obtained approval for official recognition from Kaohsiung City Government's Bureau of Social Affairs two month ago.

According to the chairman of the association, Chan Ching-yen (詹景巖), despite the high profile of homosexual rights overseas, Taiwan society still remains conservative on the issue.

Chan said that people of all persuasions are welcome to join, as its focus is for the support of alternate lifestyles and is not solely for homosexuals.

"Anyone concerned about homosexual rights can join," Chan said. The association has 40 formal members.

The director of the association, Su Li-chiung (蘇麗瓊), said that she is optimistic about the development of the organization.

Legislator Chu Hui-liang (朱惠良), the running mate of independent presidential candidate Shu Hsin-liang (許信良), also attended the ceremony to express her concerns about the rights of homosexuals.

Chu said that in the Legislative Yuan, she would promote the passage of bills related to social equality and rights of homosexuals . According to Chu, several lawmakers, including Shih Ming-teh (施明德) of the DPP, have endorsed the formation of such legislation.