Gay rights activists yesterday gathered at 228 Peace Park and called for the abolition of Article 235 of the Criminal Law (
Wang Ping (
Wang said that homosexual rights are heavily restricted and gays are often described as "obscene" and "perverts."
PHOTO: CHENG HSUEH-YUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
J.J. Lai (
Lai has also appealed to the Council of Grand Justices on the constitutionality of Article 235, which bans the sale, circulation and public display of obscene publications.
Unfazed by the failed appeals, Lai said: "This is a chance for gay rights activists to challenge the law and see that changes are made."
An alliance of gay and gender rights groups has also been formed to challenge the article.
The terms "indecent" and "obscene" should be clearly defined, because judges were allowed too much discretion to decide what constitutes obscenity, Lai said.
Academics in the alliance also discovered that Article 235 dates back to 1922, he said.
Lai said that it was high time for the article to be abolished.
"Sexual rights should not be under the control of the government. They cannot regulate what you can or cannot read, or whether what you read is `obscene' or not," Lai said.
The alliance plans to launch an "Abolish Article 235" movement on June 27 to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1969.
The Stonewall riots were a series of violent conflicts between homosexuals and police officers in New York City. The first night of rioting began on June 27, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village.
The incident is generally considered a turning point for the modern gay rights movement worldwide since it marked the first time that a significant number of homosexuals resisted arrest and fought back.
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan’s (陳奕迅) concerts in Kaohsiung this weekend have been postponed after he was diagnosed with Covid-19 this morning, the organizer said today. Chan’s “FEAR and DREAMS” concert which was scheduled to be held in the coming three days at the Kaohsiung Arena would be rescheduled to May 29, 30 and 31, while the three shows scheduled over the next weekend, from May 23 to 25, would be held as usual, Universal Music said in a statement. Ticket holders can apply for a full refund or attend the postponed concerts with the same seating, the organizer said. Refund arrangements would
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster and South Korean outfit Hyukoh collectively received the most nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards, earning a total of seven nods from the jury on Wednesday. The bands collaborated on their 2024 album AAA, which received nominations for best band, best album producer, best album design and best vocal album recording. “Young Man,” a single from the album, earned nominations for song of the year and best music video, while another track, “Antenna,” also received a best music video nomination. Late Hong Kong-American singer Khalil Fong (方大同) was named the jury award winner for his 2024 album
RESOLUTIONS DEBATE: Taiwan’s allies said that UN and WHA resolutions cited by China and other nations ‘do not determine Taiwan’s participation in WHO activities’ A proposal to invite Taiwan to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) was rejected on Monday, resulting in Taipei’s absence from the annual meeting for a ninth consecutive year, although partners spoke up for Taiwan’s participation at the first day of the meeting. The first agenda item after the opening was a “two-on-two debate” on a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate at the WHA as an observer. Similar to previous years, two countries made statements in favor of the proposal, while two others expressed their opposition. Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, president of the 78th WHA, accepted the WHA General Committee’s
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure