Protests as police raid Taipei gay bar for ‘offences against public morality’
Taiwan LGBT+ Pride Parade in central Taipei in 2025 (Getty Images)
Around 100 people protested in Taipei after police raided gay bar Commander D, detained 51 patrons for questioning under Taiwan’s Social Order Maintenance Act and arrested the owner of the bar.
The Taipei City Police Department’s Wanhua Precinct raided the Wanhua area bar on Saturday afternoon (3 October). Of the 58 patrons inside, 51 were taken in for questioning and the owner was arrested, as reported by The Independent.
Precinct spokesperson Chen Yu-cheng said those detained were suspected of violating Taiwan’s Social Order Maintenance Act, which bans “wantonly exposing one’s naked body or presenting a lascivious posture in a public place or publicly accessible place”.
One man, identified by his family name Wen, said: “They raided the place violently. It was very scary.”
In a statement, Wanhua Precinct said a search warrant was had issued after allegations of “offences against public morality” at the bar, denying accusations of misconduct.
Ten LGBTQ+ rights organisations condemned the raid in a statement on the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association’s Facebook page, alleging procedural violations including refusing to show a warrant, excessive use of force and discriminatory remarks to people with disabilities. The groups called for an independent investigation, disciplinary action and a public apology.
Protest outside Wanhua Police Precinct
Protesters marched to the Wanhua Police Precinct on Sunday (4 October). Kang Yang said: “I’m not cool with this. This city used to claim that it was queer-friendly.”
A precinct chief told protesters: “We respect the culture of a pluralistic society and will protect the rights of every citizen.”
Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the raid was conducted in accordance with the law, and instructed the precinct to review allegations and explain its actions.
Taipei’s Ximending area is known for nightlife and a visible LGBTQ+ scene, and gay bars often double as community spaces as Pride season approaches.
In 2023, Taiwan drew hundreds of thousands in East Asia’s largest Pride march, a reminder of why the raid has struck such a nerve in a place usually relatively liberal.
LGBTQ+ rights in Taiwan
LGBTQ+ people in Taiwan are usually treated well in Taiwan, with same-sex activity and marriage legal. The age of consent is 16 – the same as cisgender heterosexual citizens.
Same-sex couples are also allowed to adopt children together, and discrimination due to sexuality or gender identity in education or the workplace is banned.
Conversion therapy has been banned for a number of years, too.
As for trans rights, people have been able to change their gender on ID and legal documents since 1988, as long as they meet some surgery requirements and have two diagnosis certificates from psychiatrists. Trans or intersex people wishing to change their legal gender must have undergone gender-affirmation surgery, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
However, attitudes towards trans people in Taiwan is mixed.
