Lawmakers Propose E-sports Basic Law; Lee Yang Warns of Legal Hierarchy Confusion
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan reviewed a draft 'Basic Law for the Development of E-sports.' Sports Minister Lee Yang expressed concern that enacting a basic law could cause confusion in the legal hierarchy, stating that deficiencies in current laws would be addressed through administrative orders. Ruling DPP lawmakers criticized the hasty review process and the neglect of budget review.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 19:22
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 19:36 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 10, 2026 at 19:38 (2 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, reporter Chen Junhua, Taipei, 10th) The Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan today reviewed the draft 'Basic Law for the Development of E-sports.' Sports Minister Lee Yang stated that a basic law represents a higher, more abstract legal tier, and he feared that creating one could lead to confusion in the legal hierarchy. He indicated that any shortcomings in current laws would be supplemented by administrative orders.
The committee held a public hearing on the draft in the morning and invited Minister Lee and others to attend the afternoon session to review the bill proposed by KMT legislators Luo Tingwei and Ge Rujun.
In his concluding remarks at the hearing, Lee said the Ministry of Sports aims to develop e-sports but noted that relevant regulations already exist in the National Sports Act and the Sports Industry Development Regulations. He reiterated that deficiencies would be addressed via administrative orders. He expressed concern that a basic law, being a higher-level legal framework, could create confusion. The Ministry supports the e-sports industry and will convene experts to discuss more practical development approaches.
DPP Legislator Lin Yijin questioned the process, criticizing that holding a public hearing in the morning and proceeding with Q&A and article-by-article review in the afternoon was a clear attempt to 'rubber-stamp' the bill. She argued that all opinions should be more thoroughly compiled and that article-by-article review should not occur today. She also stated that reviewing a basic law to protect the e-sports industry before the Ministry's budget for the year has been reviewed was putting the cart before the horse.
In response, Lee said the Ministry supports e-sports development but warned that a standalone basic law for e-sports could create a sense of relative deprivation for other sports. He emphasized that the Ministry values the development of all sports, including baseball, basketball, badminton, and track and field, and hopes every sport receives due attention.
DPP Legislator Wu Syao-yao argued that enacting an e-sports basic law would be unfair, potentially leading to resource crowding and conflicts with other regulations. She stated that supporting e-sports development and enacting a basic law are two different things. Without a budget review, she said, even 100 basic laws would be useless as there would be no funds to implement them. She supported cross-ministerial integration for e-sports but not necessarily a basic law, warning against using the wrong methods that could hinder the administration.
DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu asked what difficulties would arise if the e-sports basic law were enacted. Lee explained that the status of a basic law is very high, and e-sports is just one of many items under the Ministry's purview. To address past shortcomings in promotion, the Ministry has allocated NT$30 million in next year's budget and plans to promote e-sports through administrative orders within the existing legal framework.
After the Q&A session, DPP Legislator Uliw Qaljupayare and others proposed that, to allow the administration to properly respond to e-sports development needs and formulate policies and supporting measures, and to ensure legislative prudence, today's meeting should only include reports and Q&A, with the bill's review to be scheduled for a later date. As no legislator present objected, the proposal was passed. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150610
The committee held a public hearing on the draft in the morning and invited Minister Lee and others to attend the afternoon session to review the bill proposed by KMT legislators Luo Tingwei and Ge Rujun.
In his concluding remarks at the hearing, Lee said the Ministry of Sports aims to develop e-sports but noted that relevant regulations already exist in the National Sports Act and the Sports Industry Development Regulations. He reiterated that deficiencies would be addressed via administrative orders. He expressed concern that a basic law, being a higher-level legal framework, could create confusion. The Ministry supports the e-sports industry and will convene experts to discuss more practical development approaches.
DPP Legislator Lin Yijin questioned the process, criticizing that holding a public hearing in the morning and proceeding with Q&A and article-by-article review in the afternoon was a clear attempt to 'rubber-stamp' the bill. She argued that all opinions should be more thoroughly compiled and that article-by-article review should not occur today. She also stated that reviewing a basic law to protect the e-sports industry before the Ministry's budget for the year has been reviewed was putting the cart before the horse.
In response, Lee said the Ministry supports e-sports development but warned that a standalone basic law for e-sports could create a sense of relative deprivation for other sports. He emphasized that the Ministry values the development of all sports, including baseball, basketball, badminton, and track and field, and hopes every sport receives due attention.
DPP Legislator Wu Syao-yao argued that enacting an e-sports basic law would be unfair, potentially leading to resource crowding and conflicts with other regulations. She stated that supporting e-sports development and enacting a basic law are two different things. Without a budget review, she said, even 100 basic laws would be useless as there would be no funds to implement them. She supported cross-ministerial integration for e-sports but not necessarily a basic law, warning against using the wrong methods that could hinder the administration.
DPP Legislator Chen Pei-yu asked what difficulties would arise if the e-sports basic law were enacted. Lee explained that the status of a basic law is very high, and e-sports is just one of many items under the Ministry's purview. To address past shortcomings in promotion, the Ministry has allocated NT$30 million in next year's budget and plans to promote e-sports through administrative orders within the existing legal framework.
After the Q&A session, DPP Legislator Uliw Qaljupayare and others proposed that, to allow the administration to properly respond to e-sports development needs and formulate policies and supporting measures, and to ensure legislative prudence, today's meeting should only include reports and Q&A, with the bill's review to be scheduled for a later date. As no legislator present objected, the proposal was passed. (Editor: Zhai Sijia) 1150610
FAQ
What is the core of this news?
The review of a proposed e-sports basic law in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan was postponed after the Ministry of Sports expressed caution, citing potential legal hierarchy confusion.
Why is Minister Lee Yang opposed to the basic law?
He believes a basic law, being a higher-level law, could cause confusion in the legal system and potentially harm fairness towards other sports.
How will e-sports be promoted in the future?
The Ministry plans to support e-sports through administrative orders and within the existing legal framework, including a budget allocation of NT$30 million.