TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — During Gender Equality Education Day on Sunday, the DPP reflected on the 25th anniversary of Yeh Yung-chih’s (葉永鋕) death, reaffirming the nation's ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Over the past 25 years, the DPP has spearheaded efforts to strengthen legal protections against discrimination and violence, championing legislation such as the Gender Equity Education Act, the Act of Gender Equality in Employment, the Sexual Harassment Prevention Act, and the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act. The party emphasized that gender equality must be practiced not only through laws but also in everyday life.
April 20 commemorates the tragedy that catalyzed Taiwan’s gender equality movement. Yeh’s death brought national awareness to the issue, paving the way for systemic change in schools and society, according to Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安) and Premium.
Yeh, a 15-year-old student, was found unconscious and bleeding in a school restroom on April 20, 2000, after years of verbal and physical bullying from classmates who targeted his perceived gender nonconformity. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Yeh's mother revealed that before the incident, he had repeatedly reported the harassment to both her and the school. She also mentioned reporting it to the school, which caused resentment and resulted in no intervention.
A ruling by the Taiwan High Court later concluded that Yeh’s death was caused by a fall on a wet floor, which triggered a fatal head injury. The school was only found negligent in maintaining a safe environment for its students.
The case sparked national outrage, leading to the passage of the Gender Equity Education Act in 2004. The law mandates that schools create inclusive environments and ensure the safety of students regardless of gender identity, marking a turning point in Taiwan’s approach to gender diversity and campus protections.
The DPP has also worked to combat stigma and promote respect for diverse gender identities, positioning Taiwan as a regional leader on LGBTQ rights. Taiwan made history in 2019 as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, a milestone attributed to years of advocacy and public support.
Pan expressed hope that reducing prejudice and discrimination would allow everyone in Taiwan to express themselves. He emphasized the ongoing effort needed to build a truly equal and respectful society, where differences are celebrated rather than stigmatized.
