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Taipei Police Raid Gay Bar, Sparking LGBTQ+ Protests
Confirmed
In Short: Police raided a Taipei gay bar, detaining 51 people and arresting the owner, leading to protests by the LGBTQ+ community.
Police in Taipei raided the Commander D gay bar on Saturday, detaining 51 people and arresting the bar's owner, according to Reuters. The raid was conducted under a search warrant for suspected 'offences against public morality,' said precinct spokesperson Chen Yu-cheng.
One protester, Kang Yang, expressed anger over the raid, especially given its timing during Pride season. The Taipei LGBTQ+ community held a protest Sunday, with around 100 members gathering to voice their discontent.
The demonstration remained peaceful but was marked by angry chants from participants. Protesters chanted slogans like, 'This city used to claim that it was queer friendly,' reflecting their frustration.
The Taipei city government did not immediately comment on the raid. Taipei is preparing to host its annual Pride event later this month, one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in East Asia.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, who has previously attended Taipei Pride and expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community, did not address the incident directly. The precinct chief briefly addressed protesters outside the police station, saying authorities respected 'the culture of a pluralistic society' and would protect the rights of all citizens.
The police statement said they received a complaint alleging the bar could be violating public decency laws. One of those detained, identified only by his family name Wen, told Reuters the raid was conducted violently and was frightening.
Chen Yu-cheng 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.'
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.
The protesters shouted their disapproval at the precinct chief, emphasizing their dissatisfaction with the raid and its aftermath.
What this adds
The Taipei city government's lack of immediate comment on the raid has raised questions about their stance on the incident.
The raid and subsequent protests highlight the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan, despite the country's generally progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
What's confirmed
- Police raided the Commander D gay bar in Taipei’s Wanhua district on Saturday afternoon, taking 51 people in for questioning and arresting the bar’s owner, Reuters reported.
- Protester Kang Yang said he was angered by the raid, particularly because it took place during Pride season.
- Around 100 members of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ community protested Sunday after police raided a gay bar and detained customers, an unusual incident in Taiwan, which is known for its legal protections for sexual minorities.
- Taipei is also preparing to host its annual Pride event later this month, one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in East Asia.
- Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, from the opposition Kuomintang, has previously attended Taipei Pride and expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community.
What's still developing
- Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments People protest after police raided a gay bar ahead of the annual Taiwan Pride parade later in October.