Thailand has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to officially legalize same-sex marriage. The passage of the marriage equality bill by Thai lawmakers is a historic moment for the LGBTQ+ community, not only within Thailand but also throughout the entire region.
After a twenty-year effort to legalize same-sex marriage, the bill obtained an overwhelming majority of 130 votes to four, with 18 members abstaining. Approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate paves the way for the bill’s endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and its publication in a government periodical. Following these steps, the law will come into effect 120 days later.
Thailand’s move sets a precedent for Southeast Asia and confirms its place as the third country in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill grants LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples, including access to adoption, inheritance, and healthcare decision-making.
Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, founder of the NGO Love Foundation, expressed the significant potential impact of this bill. He stated, “It would not only change the lives of countless couples but also contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has shown his support for LGBTQ+ rights by participating in Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok and affirming his government’s commitment to advocating for the Equal Marriage Bill, declaring, “Love wins.”
The passage of the bill represents a major advancement for justice and human rights, signifying a new era in Southeast Asia. However, it is important to acknowledge that Thailand currently stands as an exception in the region, as many countries still uphold laws criminalizing same-sex relations, resulting in widespread discrimination and hostility toward LGBTQ+ communities.
Thailand’s historic action is a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ rights in the region, yet there remains substantial work to be done in the fight for equality and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
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