On Tuesday, Thailand’s Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law, positioning the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to recognise same-s*x couples formally.
This achievement follows over twenty years of advocacy by activists and politicians, overcoming previous failed attempts to bring similar drafts to parliament.
With strong backing from almost all lawmakers in the upper house, the legislation now awaits royal approval. It is slated to come into effect 120 days after being published in the royal gazette.
Marking a significant milestone, LGBT advocates celebrated Thailand’s move as a “monumental step forward”, positioning the country as the first in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, after Nepal and Taiwan, to enact marriage equality legislation.
“We are incredibly proud to be making history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-s*x marriage. “Today, we have overcome years of struggle. Thailand now stands with marriage equality.”
Lawmakers and activists at Thailand’s parliament celebrated joyously, waving rainbow flags and smiling, with some showing solidarity by raising their fists in support of the LGBT community.
Thailand, recognized as one of Asia’s leading tourist destinations, has long been celebrated for its vibrant LGBT culture and inclusive atmosphere.
At the beginning of June, thousands of participants and activists paraded through the streets of Bangkok, accompanied by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who marked the occasion by wearing a rainbow shirt in honor of Pride Month.
“The Civil Society Commission on marriage equality, along with activists and LGBTQI couples, stated that this underscores Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality.”
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