Two amendments to add same-sex marriage to Taiwan's Civil Code passed their first reading in the country's Legislature today.

A first reading is more of an announcement of a measure: The drafts still must be discussed in the Legislature's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee and then pass second and third readings before becoming law.

In addition to marriage equality, the two amendments would allow married gay couples to adopt children.

A same-sex marriage bill actually cleared a first reading in 2013, but it failed to make it to second and third readings before elections this year, meaning that it was automatically invalidated.

Support has come from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP): “I support marriage equality," said President Tsai Ing-wen, who was sworn in last May.

"Every person should be able to look for love freely, and freely seek their own happiness.”

While the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party initially protested the amendments, they backed down after discussion with DPP representatives.

Outside protesters held signs reading "oppose same-sex marriage" and "protect the children, protect education."