Article 235 of the Criminal Code: A person who distributes, sells, publicly displays, or by other means shows to another person indecent writing, drawing, or other [work] shall be punished.

Gay and lesbian activists have decried a court verdict against the owner of a Taipei bookstore last week, calling it a setback for the rights of Taiwan’s homosexual community.

Lai Jeng-jer (賴正哲), the owner of Gin Gin’s Bookstore in Taipei, was found guilty on Tuesday by the Keelung District Court for selling “indecent” magazines and faces 50 days in prison. The sentence came two years after Lai, whose bookstore specializes in gay and lesbian literature, was charged.

At a press conference earlier last week, Lai said that he will appeal the verdict and continue to fight for justice.

Continue reading Activists blast bookstore verdict.