Vietnam to become first Asian nation to legalize gay marriage?

Vietnam is reportedly considering legalizing same-sex marriage. If it does so, it will become the first Asian nation to pass the measure.

The country’s justice ministry said it will mull a decision on the matter as part of its plan to overhaul Vietnam’s marriage laws.

"I think, as far as human rights are concerned, it's time for us to look at the reality," Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong said on national TV.

“The number of homosexuals has mounted to hundreds of thousands. It's not a small figure. They live together without registering marriage. They may own property. We, of course, have to handle these issues legally."

Gay campaigners in Vietnam, the Associated Press reported, are stunned by the announcement, citing that even if the measure is rejected by the National Assembly next year, the fact that government officials are even mentioning it is a kind of victory.

(Agencies)