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Thai parliament approves same-sex marriage bill
The bill will enforce Thailand's position as one of Asia’s most liberal societies in terms of LGBTQ.
FILE PHOTO: Thai LGBT community participates in Gay Freedom Day Parade in Bangkok, Thailand November 29, 2018. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun/File Photo
Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize equal marriage after politicians passed a same-sex marriage bill.
The lower house of parliament overwhelmingly voted in favour of the bill, with 400 supporting its passage and just 10 against it in a final reading on Wednesday. When the bill takes effect, Thailand would be just the third Asian country to legalize gay marriage.
Thailand third Asian country to legalize gay marriages
The bill now requires approval from the country’s Senate, and finally endorsement from the king, before becoming law. More than a decade in the making, the legislation could take effect within 120 days of royal approval.
The legislation would change references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms. It would also grant LGBTQ couples inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.
While Thailand enjoys a welcoming reputation for the international LGBTQ community, activists have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values.
Constitutional Court recommended minorities rights to be expanded
The Constitutional Court in 2020 ruled that current matrimonial law, which only recognizes heterosexual couples, was constitutional. But it also recommended legislation be expanded to ensure minorities’ rights.
In December, the parliament approved the first readings of four different draft bills on same-sex marriage and tasked a committee to consolidate them into a single draft.
Across Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognize same-sex marriage.
