Thailand Makes History as Lawmakers Approve Marriage Equality Bill
In a historic move, lawmakers in Thailand voted on Tuesday to approve a marriage equality bill, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill, which was passed by the Senate with overwhelming support, is now set to be reviewed by a Senate committee and the Constitutional Court before receiving royal assent from the king.
“After 20 years of trying to legalize this matter, finally, love wins,” said activist Plaifa Kyoka Shodladd, 18, in the Senate chamber after the vote.
Thailand’s passage of the bill highlights its reputation as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ couples in Asia. Currently, only Taiwan and Nepal have legalized same-sex marriage, with other countries in the region still grappling with issues of LGBTQ rights.
In contrast, some Asian countries still criminalize gay sex, with severe penalties in place for those who engage in same-sex relationships. Thailand’s bill not only legalizes same-sex marriage but also grants LGBTQ couples equal rights in areas such as adoption, tax allowances, inheritance, and medical decision-making.
While the bill has faced opposition over the years, a majority of the Thai public supports marriage equality. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found that 60 percent of adults in Thailand were in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.
Despite its progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, Thailand remains socially conservative in other aspects. Earlier this year, lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow individuals to change genders on official documents. However, the approval of the marriage equality bill marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ rights in the country.
