With a historic legislative decision on Tuesday that supporters hailed as a “victory,” Thailand became the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex unions.
The Senate’s upper chamber approved the revisions to the marriage legislation that permit same-sex couples to get married by a vote of 130 in favor, 4 against, and 18 abstentions.
After being published in the official Royal Gazette for 120 days, the new law will now be delivered to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent.
After Taiwan and Nepal, Thailand will only be the third country in Asia to allow same-sex marriages. Advocates hope that October will mark the first anniversary of these marriages.
“We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped to bring about a massive change,” Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that scrutinised the law, told senators after the vote.
“Today love wins over prejudice.”
Ahead of the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, said the change in the law was “a victory for the people”.
The new rule replaces gender-neutral terminology used in marriage statutes to refer to “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives.” It also grants same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples in terms of inheritance and adoption.
“My partner has one boy and I want to have legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say about his well-being. This bill will allow it,” Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, told AFP.
Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, has been outspoken in her support of the LGBTQ community and the bill. She noted that she will host celebrations in her official residence for activists and supporters.
In addition, activists organize a drag show at an evening rally in central Bangkok, where enormous commercial centers have been flying rainbow flags since June 1st as a sign of support for Pride Month. Thailand has long been known for its acceptance of the LGBTQ population, and local media outlets have reported on opinion polls that reveal a resounding public endorsement of equal marriage. Since the Netherlands became the first country to celebrate same-sex partnerships in 2001, more than 30 countries have legalized marriage for everybody.
However, only Taiwan and Nepal acknowledge marital equality in Asia. India got as near as possible in October, but the Supreme Court sent the ruling back to the legislature.
“I am so happy to see how far we have come,” said Chotika Hlengpeng, a participant in the Pride march that drew thousands of enthusiasts in Bangkok early in June.
The outcome of years of agitation and failed attempts to pass laws pertaining to equal marriage is Tuesday’s vote. Much of Thailand, which is majority Buddhist, nevertheless adheres to traditional and conservative beliefs, even if the move is well-liked.
Despite their widespread visibility, LGBTQ people claim they still encounter prejudice and obstacles in their daily lives. Since transgender and non-binary persons would still not be able to change their gender on official identity documents, several activists have criticized the new legislation for neglecting to recognize these groups of people.
