Not only does today mark the 15th anniversary of the landmark decision that first brought marriage equality to a U.S. state, and the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, but it will now also be known as the day a comprehensive, federal LGBTQ civil rights bill first passed a chamber of the U.S. Congress and the day that Taiwan legalized marriage for same-sex couples—the first country in Asia to do so. Progress to celebrate—but there is further to go, as the Equality Act faces a tougher battle in the Senate, and same-sex couples in Taiwan still will not have equal adoption rights.
Here in the U.S., the Equality Act would offer numerous protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, including in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, foster care, adoption, and more. It specifically states that “Barring discrimination in foster care and adoption will increase the number of homes available to foster children waiting for foster and adoptive families” and “will ensure improved treatment and outcomes for LGBT foster children.” It was first introduced in Congress in 1974, but without gender identity included; a 2015 version included it. This is the first time it has passed either chamber, however. The latest iteration in the House was sponsored by Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). It now goes to the Senate, where it is sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Passage in the Republican-controlled Senate will be more difficult, but I am encouraged by the fact that the legislation is picking up more and more support among businesses—always a good way to influence politicians. More than 200 major corporations have joined HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers have announced their support. The Chamber of Commerce noted in its letter, “Embracing equality has a profoundly positive impact on business performance. A recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that LGBT-inclusive companies enjoy higher revenue margins, attract better talent, and have lower employee turnover.” More than 500 statewide and national social justice, religious, medical and child welfare organizations have also backed the bill.
Want to help get it passed in the Senate? Here’s what you can do.
Over in Taiwan, marriage equality legislation passed just weeks ahead of the two-year deadline set by the country’s Council of Grand Justices in 2017. After debating three different bills, legislators passed the only one to use the term “marriage” and the only one to offer any adoption rights. The adoption rights are limited, however, and only allow couples to jointly adopt children if one of the members of the couple is the biological parent.
After backlash by conservatives over the 2017 ruling, the government held a series of referendums on marriage equality last November, where a majority of voters rejected it. BBC News explains that because of the referendum, “Taiwan said it would not alter its existing definition of marriage in civil law, and instead would enact a special law for same-sex marriage”—hence today’s legislation. Separate legislation seems an iffy proposition to me, as it might engender separate interpretations in the future, but it’s a start. And New Bloom, an online magazine that offers “radical perspectives on Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific,” noted, too, “It seems likely that the bill will still see challenges from anti-gay groups as well as legislators opposed to gay marriage going forward.” Nevertheless, marriage is now legal for same-sex couples and the first weddings will take place starting May 24. Congratulations to all the happy couples!
