Lawmakers in Thailand approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage
Thailand's lower house of Parliament has given strong approval to a marriage equality bill, marking a significant step towards equal rights for all couples regardless of gender. The bill, which passed with overwhelming support, would make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality.
The bill received strong backing from 400 out of 415 members present in the House of Representatives, with 10 voting against it, two abstaining, and three not voting.
Despite Thailand's reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, the LGBTQ+ community has faced discrimination, and efforts to pass a marriage equality law have long been challenging. Conservative values prevalent in Thai society, as well as resistance from government and state agencies, have hindered progress.
The bill will now proceed to the Senate, where approval is likely, before reaching the king for royal endorsement. If passed, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to enact such legislation. Other countries that have legalized marriage equality include Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and many others.
