Taiwan court hears landmark gay marriage case

Taiwan's constitutional court will hear arguments over whether part of the Civil Code contravenes elements in Taiwan's constitution that guarantee equality and freedom of marriage. -AFP filepic

TAIPEI: Taiwan’s constitutional court began hearing a landmark case Friday that could make the island the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.

A panel of 14 grand justices will hear a debate over a disputed law that critics say is unconstitutional because it prevents unions between gay couples.