A police raid on a popular gay bar in Taipei has raised concern about Taiwan's image as a welcoming place for LGBTQ people, The Guardian and Reuters report. The island holds one of the region's largest Pride parades on Saturday.

Police raided the Commander D bar on October 3 and took 51 people in for questioning, the outlets report. A police spokesman said officers acted on a search warrant over suspected offenses against public morality, according to Reuters. The bar's owner was arrested.

The owner was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of profiting from sexual or indecent acts, a charge that carries up to five years in prison, The Guardian reports. The owner has accused police of using excessive force.

About 100 members of Taipei's LGBTQ community protested the day after the raid, Reuters reported at the time. After a strong public backlash, Mayor Chiang Wan-an apologized, and six officers were disciplined for improper remarks and poor supervision, The Guardian reports.

A spokesperson for the local police division said it "fully respects social and cultural diversity and people's rights," according to The Guardian. Campaigners say the raid shows a lasting stigma around gay venues. Other gay venues in Taiwan have also faced police scrutiny.

Taiwan in 2019 became the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Support for it has risen from 42% to 54% since then, a recent survey found, The Guardian reports.

What we know: Police raided a Taipei gay bar and detained 51 customers, and the mayor has apologized.
What we don't: Whether the bar's owner will be charged.