Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage CNN

CNN
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Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after the state senate approved a marriage equality bill on Tuesday, with supporters calling it “a monumental step for LGBTQ+ rights”.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass the bill after final reading, with 130 senators voting in favor. Only four members opposed the bill.

The bill still needs the king's approval before marriage equality becomes a reality in Thailand, but the process is considered a formality. The Act will come into force 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette.

The result of the vote means that Thailand will become only the third country in Asia to allow marriage equality Taiwan legalized Same-sex marriage in 2019 and Nepal in 2023.

“The bill represents an important step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand,” said Paniaphon Phiphatkhunaranon, founder of Love Foundation – An NGO is campaigning for LGBTQ+ equality in Thailand – CNN reported.

“The potential impact of this bill is immense. It will not only change the lives of countless couples but also contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.”

The bill gives LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples, including the right to make inheritance, adoption and healthcare decisions.

“Beyond the legal implications, this bill, if passed, will send a strong message of acceptance and inclusion,” Paniafone said.

“It will inspire the younger generation to come out and live their lives authentically, it will showcase Thailand as a progressive and inclusive country – attracting tourists and businesses … and encouraging a culture change where LGBTQ+ people feel accepted and supported.”

Bangkok residents Pokpong Jitzaiyai and Watit Benjaminkolchai said they plan to get married as soon as the law is passed.

“When I was young, people said people like us couldn't have a family, couldn't have children, so marriage was impossible,” Pokpong told CNN. “More than 10 years ago, we could not have been together like we are now. We can never be our true selves, the way we are now… and now I can freely say I'm gay.”

Pokpong said he hoped the marriage equality bill would start a “domino effect” in other countries.

“I want people all over the world to see what love looks like. Love is love,” he said.

The Marriage Equality Bill was backed by all major parties and marks an important step in cementing the country's reputation as one of the region's friendliest towards gay, lesbian and transgender people.

previous attempts Legalization of marriage equality had stalled over the past decade. In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Thailand's current law, which allowed marriage between a man and a woman, was constitutional.

Several of the main political parties contesting last year's election pledged to advance marriage equality as part of their campaigns, including the progressive Move Forward Party, which won the most seats.

But the party, which had a large youth following, failed to form a government when former rivals joined forces to keep it out of office. Both the future of the group and its popular former leader Pita Limjaroenrat remain uncertain as they face multiple lawsuits.

Nevertheless, Thai Prime Minister Sretha Thavisin, of the Phew Thai Party, also promised to introduce a marriage equality bill in parliament.

Dressed in a rainbow shirt, Sretha attended Pride Month celebrations in Bangkok in early June, joining a massive parade through the streets of the capital.

“Choosing who to love is a fundamental right,” she said in a June 1 post on X.

Srettha is keen to showcase Thailand as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ people, including vocal support for its bid to host World Pride in 2030.

“We have come a long way in our journey towards social equality. I want to reiterate my government's commitment to the implementation of the Equal Marriage Bill which today we can visibly see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Sretha said on June 1 X.

“We look forward to hosting World Pride 2030 in Thailand.”

As only the third region in Asia to embrace marriage equality, Thailand remains a region that has been slow to grant LGBTQ+ rights and where members of the community often face discrimination, prejudice and even violence.

Growing religious conservatism and colonial-era laws have made life difficult for LGBTQ+ communities in much of Southeast Asia, with same-sex relationships criminalized in several countries, including Myanmar and Brunei.

In Indonesia, homosexuality is not illegal except in the very conservative province of Aceh. But LGBTQ+ people face massive discrimination, police operation, vigilante attacks and open hostility by Indonesian authorities and Islamic groups across the country. Indonesia's new criminal code, approved in 2022, criminalizes consensual sex out of wedlock A criminal offense and rights group Say it will disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ people because same-sex couples cannot marry in Indonesia.

In Malaysia, homosexuality is a crime punishable by fines and up to 20 years in prison. The Muslim-majority country has seen the rise of conservatism attitude In recent years. Rights groups call the LGBTQ+ community Facing growing intolerance In Malaysia and the government is at least partially to blame.

Singapore only repealed a colonial-era law that criminalized sex between men in 2022 but the Singapore government has reiterated its opposition to same-sex marriage and pledged Make it difficult People can legally challenge government policies. In Singapore, registered married couples have access to more housing subsidies and adoption rights than unmarried people.

Japan is the only Group of Seven (G7) country that has not ratified Gay Citizens Union or Same-sex marriageDespite the recent High Court decision which ruled that disallowing same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

Last year the Supreme Court of India rejection In a landmark ruling to legally recognize same-sex unions, after campaigners tried to get marriage rights under Indian law.

In mainland China, there is Beijing Comprehensive crackdown On LGBTQ activists and groups in recent years, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has increasingly emphasized the ruling Communist Party's absolute control over every aspect of society.

In other jurisdictions, promoters have made little profit on a case-by-case basis due to appeals through the courts.

South Korea does not legally recognize same-sex marriage but a South Korean court in February 2023 ruled in favor of Seeking equal health benefits to same-sex couples. South Korea has also criticized the international for this Its Military Penal Code, which makes same-sex relations between men punishable by up to two years in prison. In past years, there have been dozens of arrests in what critics have called a “gay witch-hunt.”