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Thailand’s Senate has passed the final reading of a marriage equality law, paving the way for it to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex couples.
The background: The draft bill gained support from a wide majority of parliament in the upper house, with 130 out of 152 votes in favour.
The approval was celebrated by members of the LGBTIQ+ community who gathered at the National Assembly. Advocates called the move a “monumental step forward”.
Activists and politicians representing LGBTIQ+ groups have been pushing for same-sex marriage in Thailand for almost two decades.
The new legislation would change references from “husbands” and “wives” or “men” and “women” to more gender-neutral terms.
The key quote: “Today, love triumphed [over] prejudice … after fighting for more than 20 years.” — Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage.
LGBTIQ+ activists in Thailand have fought for decades for greater equality. Source: AAP / Rungroj Yongrit/EPA
What else to know: While Thailand is known for its vibrant LGBTIQ+ culture, activists have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes.
Many have criticised laws for failing to recognise transgender and non-binary people, who will still not be allowed to change their gender on official identity documents.
What happens now: With the support of nearly all politicians in the upper house, the law next needs royal approval.
The draft bill will head to Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn for his approval, which is widely expected to be granted. The law will come into effect 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette, Thailand’s official journal.