DE Online Desk
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday (Jun 18), paving the way for the country to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex couples.
The senate upper house gave final approval – by 130 votes to four, with 18 abstentions – to changes to the marriage law allowing same-sex couples to tie the knot.
The law, which needs royal approval, will come into force 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette.
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The new legislation changes references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in marriage laws to gender-neutral terms.
It also gives same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to adoption and inheritance.
Thailand will become only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples can get hitched, after Taiwan and Nepal, and activists are hoping the first weddings could be celebrated as early as October.
“Today is the day that Thai people will smile. It is a victory for the people,” Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, told reporters ahead of the vote.
“Today it finally is happening in Thailand.”
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Thailand is already known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance, making it a popular destination for tourists.
“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists and LGBTI+ couples said.
The Bill is the culmination of more than a decade of effort from activists and politicians, after previous drafts did not reach the parliament.
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“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage.
“Today love triumphed prejudice … after fighting for more than 20 years, today we can say that this country has marriage equality.”
Lawmakers and activists were seen celebrating in Thailand’s parliament, waving rainbow flags and smiling, with some raising their fists in solidarity with the LGBT community.
