Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage law, a first in Southeast Asia

LGBTQ+ community waits for Senate to pass historic decision on same-sex marriage, June 18 - Photo: REUTERS

According to Reuters, the Thai Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill on June 18. This move paves the way for Thailand to become the third place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, after Nepal and Taiwan.

The Senate voted 130-4 in favor, with 18 abstentions. The bill will be sent to the palace for the king's approval and will take effect 120 days later.

LGBTQ+ activists have called the move a "major step forward" as it would make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to enact same-sex marriage legislation.

Thailand is known for its openness to the LGBTQ+ community, which is one of the reasons why it is a popular tourist destination.

The bill is the result of more than a decade of efforts by activists and politicians, after previous bills failed to pass the Thai parliament.

In early June, thousands of festival-goers and LGBTQ+ activists held a parade through the streets of Bangkok, alongside Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to celebrate Pride Month.

Earlier in March, the Thai House of Representatives passed the bill. The new bill allows same-sex couples to enjoy the full rights provided by Thai civil and commercial laws to married couples, including inheritance and adoption rights.

LGBT+ or LGBTQ+ is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning.

The plus sign represents the diverse existence of other groups in the community such as: N is Non-binary, I is Intersex, A is Asexual...

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quoc-hoi-thai-lan-thong-qua-luat-hon-nhan-dong-gioi-di-dau-o-dong-nam-a-20240618153110656.htm