#FirstInAsia 國際特赦組織致台灣全體立法委員信全文 呼籲實踐婚姻平權

國際特赦組織東亞辦事處總監
軻霖（Nicholas Bequelin）
Nicholas Bequelin
East Asia Director
Amnesty International

立法委員勛鑑，
Dear Legislator,

國際特赦組織注意到近日台灣大法官會議歷史性的釋憲結果。這項結果對台灣的女同性戀、男同性戀、雙性戀、跨性別者與雙性人（LGBTI）權利而言是非常重要的進步。這項釋憲結果是一項里程碑，代表台灣可能成為亞洲第一個承認婚姻平權的國家。
Amnesty International has noted the recent landmark ruling of Taiwan’s Constitutional Court on the legalization of same-sex marriage. This is a very significant step forward for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in Taiwan. This milestone court ruling means Taiwan is close to becoming the first in Asia to recognize marriage equality. 

我們認可此事至關重要，請您採取行動落實大法官會議的結論，持續推動婚姻平權提案的立法程序，不要有所延宕。
I am writing to acknowledge the significance of this, and ask you to take action to implement the court’s decision without delay by continuing the legislative process of the proposed bill. 

2017年5月24日，台灣大法官會議的大法官們宣布釋憲結果，認為目前民法中規定婚姻的法律違憲，因其歧視同性伴侶，大法官亦表示相關政府單位應修改或通過相應之法律，且按釋憲結果應於兩年內完成。
In their ruling on 24 May 2017, the Taiwan Constitutional Court judges ruled that the current marriage law in the Civil Code is unconstitutional as it discriminates against same-sex couples and stated that authorities concerned shall amend or enact relevant laws in accordance with the court ruling within two years. 

婚姻平權草案目前正在立法院審查中，這項提案已經於去年年末通過一讀，目前正在等待進一步審議與討論。國際特赦組織敦促立法委員們迅速採取行動，儘快使同性婚姻合法，確保婚姻平權在台灣落實。
A draft bill on same-sex marriage is currently being considered by the Legislative Yuan. The bill passed its initial reading in the legislature late last year, and is now awaiting further deliberation and discussion. Amnesty International urges lawmakers to act swiftly to legalize same-sex marriage as soon as possible, ensuring Taiwan make marriage equality a reality. 

不因性傾向而有所歧視是國際公認的原則，拒絕讓同性關係獲得與異性伴侶同等民事法律地位的承認，使許多人無法行使其他一系列的權利（如居住權和社會保障的權利），這也同時汙名化同性關係，而可能加劇歧視和其他基於性傾向或性別認同的人權侵犯。
Non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is an internationally recognized principle and denial of equal civil recognition of same-sex relationships prevents many people from exercising a whole range of other rights, such as rights to housing and social security, and stigmatizes those relationships in ways that can fuel discrimination and other human rights abuses against people based on their sexual orientation. 

國際特赦組織呼籲終結一切形式的歧視，提倡國際人權文件所揭櫫之基本人權，無論其性傾向為何，皆應獲得平等保護。國際特赦組織尤其反對民事婚姻和民事伴侶法中的歧視，並且呼籲承認自主選擇組成的家庭。
Amnesty International calls for an end to all forms of discrimination and advocates the equal protection of basic human rights enshrined in international human rights instruments regardless of sexual orientation. Amnesty International specifically opposes discrimination in civil marriage laws and civil partnership laws and calls for recognition of families of choice.

透過使同性婚姻法制化、承認婚姻平權，台灣可以向世界展現其對平等的承諾，讓台灣成為亞洲的先驅。您的支持對於創下此歷史的里程碑來說十分重要。我們希望您加速立法進程，儘速使同性婚姻合法。
Taiwan can become a pioneer in the region and beyond by demonstrating to the world its commitment to equality by legalizing same-sex marriage by recognizing marriage equality. Your support will be important in making this historic milestone. We encourage the legislature to accelerate the legislative process to legalize same-sex marriage as soon as possible.

我們感謝您審慎考慮，若您需要進一步的資訊請不吝與我們聯繫。
We thank you for your consideration and remain at your disposal if you require further information.

敬請 勛安
Sincerely,