Taiwan's Progressive Push: Calls for New National Holidays to Celebrate Equality and Well-being

Small Parties and Advocacy Groups Urge Parliament to Include Holidays Recognizing Marriage Equality, Gender Equality, and National Physical Fitness

In a significant move towards recognizing societal progress, Taiwan's Legislative Yuan (立法院) is currently reviewing the "Implementation Act of Commemorative Days and Holidays." Several smaller political parties and civil society organizations are advocating for the inclusion of new national holidays that reflect Taiwan's commitment to progressive values and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

These groups are specifically calling for the establishment of holidays such as a Marriage Equality Day, a Gender Equality Day, and a National Physical Fitness Day. This initiative aims to not only celebrate advancements in these areas but also to promote increased awareness and understanding among the population. The goal is for the Legislative Yuan to engage in comprehensive communication with various segments of society, incorporating public input into the legislative process.

Leading the charge, the chairperson of the New Power Party (時代力量), Wang Wan-Yu (王婉諭), alongside representatives from the Green Party Taiwan (台灣綠黨), the Obasan Union (小民參政歐巴桑聯盟), and other organizations including the Taiwan LGBT Rights Advocacy (台灣伴侶權益推動聯盟), Gender Equality Student Advocacy Network (性別平等學生倡議連線), and the Dignified Labor Law Amendment Alliance (尊嚴勞動修法聯盟), held a press conference outside the Legislative Yuan's Quanyuan Building. Their collective call to action urged lawmakers from all political affiliations to consider adding these important national holidays, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and responsiveness to the public's voice.