Taiwan parliament votes to hold referendums, including on corporal punishment

Taiwan's parliament has advanced the possibility of public corporal punishment for certain criminals, voting to hold referendums on the issue. The proposed punishments target those convicted of fraud and sex offenses, drawing parallels to Singapore's existing system of caning internet fraudsters.

Three referendums are slated for potential approval, with one specifically addressing the implementation of physical punishments. Another proposed referendum aims to garner public support for nuclear energy. The timing of these votes is strategically aimed to coincide with local elections scheduled for November 28, a move designed to maximize voter turnout. For a referendum to pass, at least 25 percent of Taiwan's approximately 20 million eligible voters must cast a 'yes' vote, and this number must exceed the 'no' votes.

While the referendums are a significant step, their implementation is not guaranteed. Official approval from the election commission is required to set a voting date. Should the referendums pass, the cabinet would theoretically have three months to present the relevant legislation to parliament for final approval. This process echoes past instances where public referendums have faced legislative hurdles, such as the 2018 referendums against same-sex marriage, which were ultimately superseded by a parliamentary vote legalizing them based on a court ruling.