Tens of thousands of suppporters and opponents of same-sex marriage marriage have demonstrated in separate ralllies outside Taiwan's parliament in Taipei, where lawmakers reviewed different versions of an amendment to the Civil Code.
Taiwan is considering legislation that would make it the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage.
The issue has set off a heated debate.
At Monday's legislative meeting, different versions of an amendment to the Civil Code were reviewed article by article, the state-run Central News Agency reported.
"Concluded versions will be sent for future party caucus negotiations," Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Yu Mei-nu, who chaired and concluded the meeting, said.
According to Chinese Nationalist Party legislator Jason Hsu, the amendment would still need to undergo two more readings, which could happen by mid-2017 if obstacles during future party caucus negotiations can be bypassed.
Protesters against the legislation wore white shirts and held up signs reading "Marriage and Family; People decide!"
They demanded more dialogue with lawmakers, saying legalising same-sex marriage would damage family values and compromise social stability.
"Stop the review! Open the door!" they shouted.
Dozens of furious people who attempted to climb over a gate were held back by police.
Some groups against the amendment have called for a special status to be established for same-sex partnerships. Minister of Justice Chiu Tai-san said on Monday the government has conducted some research on this.
Gay and lesbian rights groups urged quick legislation. Activists waved rainbow flags and held up signs reading "Marriage Equality! Fundamental Human Right!" The organisers said they had mobilised about 30,000 people.
They refused a special status for same-sex partnerships, reiterating that same-sex couples should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.
