Protest erupts in Taipei after police raid gay bar

Around 100 members of Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community protested in Taipei on Sunday after police raided a gay bar and detained dozens of people, sparking anger over what activists described as an unusually aggressive action.

Police carried out the raid at Commander D, a gay bar in Taipei’s Wanhua district, on Saturday afternoon. Authorities took 51 people to the police station for questioning and arrested the bar’s owner.

Police said the operation was conducted under a search warrant following allegations that the venue had violated public morality laws. Authorities alleged that people at the establishment may have breached a law prohibiting the public exposure of naked bodies or sexually suggestive behaviour in public or publicly accessible places.

The raid has drawn particular attention because Taiwan is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+-friendly societies. The island legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first place in Asia to do so.

Protesters marched to a local police station on Sunday, demanding answers over the raid. The demonstration remained peaceful but was marked by loud criticism from participants.

One person who was detained during the operation said the raid was frightening and accused police of using excessive force.

A police precinct chief briefly addressed the protesters and said authorities respected Taiwan’s pluralistic society and would protect citizens’ rights. Protesters, however, continued to voice their dissatisfaction.

The controversy comes shortly before Taipei’s annual Pride event, one of the largest LGBTQ+ gatherings in East Asia. Some protesters said the timing of the raid was especially concerning because it took place during the period surrounding Pride activities.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has previously attended Pride events and expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. The mayor is also facing an election next month.