In a historic legislative vote hailed as a “win” by campaigners, Thailand became the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Changes to the marriage law permitting same-sex couples to get married were approved by the upper house of the Senate 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 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.
“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.
For celebrations later, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been outspoken in his support of the LGBTQ community and the bill, will welcome activists and supporters inside his official residence. 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 recognize marriage in Asia.
“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.
Tuesday’s vote is the culmination of years of campaigning and thwarted attempts to pass equal marriage laws.
While the move enjoys popular support, much of Buddhist-majority Thailand still retains traditional and conservative values.
LGBTQ people, while highly visible, say they still face barriers and discrimination in everyday life.
Some activists have criticised the new laws for failing to recognise transgender and non-binary people, who will still not be allowed to change their gender on official identity documents.
A major step toward equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community, Thailand’s approval of same-sex marriage is a historic achievement. It represents the nation’s dedication to developing human rights for all of its residents and is a potent declaration of the freedom to love and marry. This win is a tribute to the tenacity and resolve of the activists and supporters who have put in countless hours to bring about this significant shift. As it commemorates this historic accomplishment, Thailand also sets a strong precedent for other nations in Southeast Asia and beyond. Thailand leads the way toward a more equitable and inclusive society by valuing variety and advancing equality. The acceptance of same-sex marriage is a big step toward full equality, but the path there is still ongoing.
