Raid on Taipei Gay Bar Prompts LGBTQ Protest Ahead of Pride

Police raided Commander D, a gay bar in Taipei's Wanhua district, on Saturday, Oct. 3, around 4:30 p.m., taking 51 people in for questioning and arresting the owner. Precinct spokesperson Chen Yu-cheng said officers used a search warrant for suspected offences against public morality under a law prohibiting wanton naked exposure or a lascivious posture in publicly accessible places. About 100 LGBTQ+ community members protested at the precinct on Sunday. Accounts said the bar manager was handcuffed, officers initially allegedly refused to show the warrant, and customers who had removed clothing were taken for questioning. An unnamed precinct chief said, "We respect the culture of a pluralistic society and will protect the rights of every citizen," as protesters shouted disapproval. Kang Yang said, "I'm not cool with this. This city used to claim that it was queer friendly." Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, first in Asia; Taipei Pride is later in October. Mayor Chiang Wan-an (KMT) has attended Pride and faces an election next month. A councillor earlier alleged underage customers at the bar, open about 14 years, prompting a mayoral probe; the bar denied any such system and said it checks ID at entry. No contested claims found in record on the core raid figures; the city referred comment to a police public-decency complaint statement.