Thousands gather to celebrate Taiwan's Pride parade, a cardinal in Ghana reiterates his support of LGBTQ people, and Italy passes a bill that bans overseas surrogacy.
Thousands Gather To Celebrate Taiwan’s Pride Parade
Thousands gathered in Taipei for the Taiwan Pride parade, one of Asia’s largest events celebrating gender inclusivity. Colorfully dressed attendees waved flags and banners supporting equality, with some traveling from across Asia, including Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.
According to AP, this year’s parade coincided with Halloween, blending costumes and messages of solidarity.
“More and more people come every year,” said one attendee. “Gender equality is very important, especially in Asia where there are still many conservative countries.”
Nick Van Halderen, a New Zealand drag performer, shared his excitement about reuniting with friends.
“It’s very special to have everyone come from overseas again,” he said.
Organizers aimed to foster a safe, inclusive space for all.
Cardinal Reiterates Support Of LGBTQ People
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. Photo by Katolinen, via Wikimedia Commons.
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana has reaffirmed his support for LGBTQ individuals, advocating against criminalization. He is concerned about Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which would criminalize LGBTQ identity and advocacy.
Turkson questioned the bill’s premise, asking, “Who controls how one is born? … You criminalize them for what?”
According to The Washington Blade, Turkson’s stance aligns with Pope Francis’s Fiducia Supplicans document, which offers limited conditions under which clergy may bless same-sex and unmarried couples.
Father Peter Knox from the Jesuit Institute criticized the cultural denial of LGBTQ Africans, noting that South Africa provides asylum to LGBTQ individuals facing persecution. “For decades, South Africa has recognized … people endangered because of their sexual orientation,” Knox said.
Italy Senate Passes Bill To Ban Overseas Surrogacy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Photo by Governo italiano, via Wikimedia Commons.
The Italian Senate recently passed a controversial bill championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to criminalize overseas surrogacy, a move LGBTQ advocates argue is a targeted attack on same-sex parents. Activists also worry the law will disproportionately target male same-sex couples.
Surrogacy is already illegal in Italy, but the new law targets Italians who travel abroad for surrogacy, where it is legal in countries like the U.S. and Canada. Those who do so could face fines up to €1 million (about $1.1 million) and up to two years in prison.
According to The Washington Blade, protesters gathered outside the Senate during the debate, holding signs reading “We are families, not crimes.”
This legislation follows previous actions under Meloni’s administration, including an order to remove non-biological same-sex parents from birth certificates.
Laura Boldrini, an opposition lawmaker, criticized the bill, saying, “The alleged defense of women, the vaunted interest in children, are just fig leaves behind which the homophobic obsession of this majority is hidden.”
Meloni defended the bill on X, calling it “a common-sense rule against the commodification of the female body and children.”
