Taiwanese same-sex couples wed at vibrant banquet

More than 1,000 people have attended a mass wedding banquet in Taiwan's capital to celebrate the marriage of same-sex couples after a landmark decision legalising the unions. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to recognise same-sex marriage last week following a vote by the island's legislature.

LGBT couples clad in flowing white gowns and matching suits gathered in Taipei on Saturday evening to walk down a red carpet flanked by cheering supporters. They were honoured in a gala that featured an emcee who wished them "100 years of happiness." A drag queen also performed with a group of scantily clad men.

Taiwan split with mainland China amid a civil war in 1949. China's ruling Communist Party considers the island part of its territory.