Thailand Senate Approves Landmark Marriage Equality Bill
A marriage equality bill has recently been passed to the Senate of Thailand positioning the country to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage. Although, the legislation still awaits formal approval from the reigning Monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is anticipated without issue and the law will take effect after 120 days, making Thailand the third Asian jurisdiction, following Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
The bill redefines marriage as a partnership between two individuals, replacing gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language and it grants LGBTQ couples equal inheritance and adoption rights as heterosexual marriages. This legislative milestone has been hailed by LGBTQ advocates as a significant step forward for equality, marking a culmination of over two decades of advocacy and activism in Thailand
“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage.
“Today, love triumphed over prejudice … after fighting for more than 20 years. Today, we can say that this country has marriage equality.”
Moreover, Despite Thailand’s reputation for LGBTQ tolerance and vibrant culture, activists have long challenged conservative norms and legal barriers. Criticism persists over the exclusion of rights for transgender and nonbinary individuals, who remain unable to change their gender on official documents.
Nevertheless, the Senate’s decision prompted jubilant scenes in the National Assembly, where politicians and activists celebrated with rainbow flags, signaling solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
