Gamania has become the first listed company in Taiwan to recognize same-sex marriage by extending marital leave to gay employees.

The computer game developer Wednesday (22 April) announced that the policy had taken effect on 1 April.

Gay employees can now apply for eight days of paid marital leave by presenting their wedding invitations, marriage certificate or other evidence.

Gamania said it realized that gender equality was a global trend, with tech companies such as Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, HP and eBay throwing their support behind gay marriage in the US.

It added that it was important create an happy work-life environment for staff.

Openly lesbian parliamentary candidate Miao Po-ya told lawmakers and other business owners to catch up with society and legalize gay marriage.

She said recognizing same-sex unions would not only raise employee moral but would help create a positive, diverse and inclusive corporate culture, which would benefit employees, business owners and shareholders alike.