Civil Code amendments to lower the age of majority and standardize the legal engagement and marriage ages for men and women passed the final Legislative reading Dec. 25, marking a milestone in government efforts to promote the rights of the country’s youth.
According to the Ministry of Justice, which drafted the bill, the amendments are aimed at bringing Taiwan’s laws more in line with global standards. To mitigate any potential adverse effects of the rollout, the MOJ said the new laws will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.
Under the amendments, the age of majority will be lowered from 20 to 18 to be consistent with the threshold of adulthood stipulated in the Criminal Code, the MOJ said, adding that the change better reflects the physical and mental maturity level of Taiwan’s teenagers today.
The ages of engagement and marriage will be set at 17 and 18, respectively, raising the legal minimums for women by two years to match those for men.
The MOJ said the changes are significant as they underscore the government’s commitment to Articles 15 and 16 of the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which outline women’s right to equality in marriage and family life as well as the right to equality before the law. (SFC-E)
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