Thailand has made history by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The nation's Senate passed a marriage equality bill on Tuesday, June 18, with a resounding vote of 130 in favor, four against, and 18 abstentions.
This landmark decision paves the way for same-sex couples to marry legally in the country.
The bill, which is expected to receive royal assent from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, will come into force 120 days after its publication in the official Royal Gazette.
Thailand's move to legalize same-sex marriage makes it the third place in Asia to do so, following Taiwan and Nepal.
Although India came close to legalizing same-sex marriage in October, the Supreme Court referred the decision back to parliament.
The new legislation brings significant changes to marriage laws in Thailand, replacing gender-specific terms such as "men," "women," "husbands," and "wives" with gender-neutral language.
This ensures that same-sex couples will have the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to adoption and inheritance.
Thailand's historic decision to legalize same-sex marriage is a significant step forward for LGBTQ rights in the region.
The move has been widely celebrated by LGBTQ activists and supporters, who have long advocated for equal rights and recognition for same-sex couples in the country.
As Thailand prepares to implement this groundbreaking legislation, the nation sets an important precedent for other countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Asian region to follow suit in recognizing and protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples.
