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Around 100 people protested in Taipei after police raided the Commander D gay bar, detained 51 customers and arrested its owner days before the city's main Pride event.
Around 100 members of Taipei's LGBTQ+ community protested on Sunday (Oct 4) after police raid ed a gay bar the day before and detained its customers, a highly unusual move given that Taiwan prides itself on its liberal image and legal support for sexual minorities.
Taipei Gay Bar Raid Draws Protest
Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019 in a first for Asia and is normally a bastion of tolerance in a region where LGBTQ+ rights are often either suppressed or outlawed. Taipei holds its main Pride event later this month, the largest in East Asia. Taipei police raided the Commander D gay bar in the city's Wanhua district on Saturday afternoon, taking 51 people in for questioning and arresting the bar's owner. Reuters could not reach him for comment.
Precinct spokesperson Chen Yu-cheng told Reuters police had acted on a search warrant for suspected offences against public morality. Chen said the 51 people were suspected of violating a law that prohibits wantonly exposing one's naked body or presenting a lascivious posture in a public place or publicly accessible place. Protesters marched peacefully but noisily to the precinct police station on Sunday afternoon. They raided the place violently.
It was very scary, one of those detained, who asked to be identified only by his family name Wen, told Reuters. The Taipei city government referred Reuters to a separate police statement, which said police received a complaint alleging that the bar could be violating public decency laws. Mayor Chiang Wan-an from the main opposition party, the Kuomintang, who faces an election next month, has previously attended Taipei Pride and expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Police Search Warrant Sparks Outrage
The precinct chief, who did not give his name, came out to speak to protesters briefly. We respect the culture of a pluralistic society and will protect the rights of every citizen, he said, as protesters shouted their disapproval at him. Protester Kang Yang said he was angry the raid had happened, particularly during Pride month. I'm not cool with this, he said.
This city used to claim that it was queer friendly. Taiwan was under martial law until 1987 and same-sex relations were a largely taboo issue at the time. The island is the only place in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal, a step taken in 2019. The raid and detentions have drawn attention because they contrast sharply with Taiwan's reputation for tolerance.
Taipei Pride is expected to draw large crowds later in October. Organisers and community members said the timing of the police action, just before the annual parade, added to concerns among LGBTQ+ residents. Many said they had long viewed the city as a safe and welcoming place. Police have not announced any further action against those questioned.
LGBTQ+ Rights Under Scrutiny
The bar's owner remains in custody or under investigation, according to police. The case has become a flashpoint in the run-up to local elections. The protest on Sunday remained peaceful, with participants calling for respect for their community and an explanation for the raid. No injuries were reported.
Community leaders said they would continue to press for answers in the coming days.
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asiaonecom:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Taiwan LGBTQ+ Rights Police Raid Taipei Protests Taipei Gay Bar Raid Taiwan LGBTQ+ Protest Commander D Bar Taipei Pride Taiwan Same-Sex Marriage
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