Thailand Approves Same-Sex Marriage In Landmark Bill

Thailand has become Southeast Asia’s first country to legalise same-sex marriage, following a historic parliamentary vote.

The Senate Upper House voted 130 to four, with 18 abstentions, to approve revisions to the marriage legislation that allow same-sex couples to get married.

The new legislation will now be submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent, and it will take effect 120 days following publication in the official Royal Gazette.

Thailand will become only the third Asian country to allow same-sex couples to marry, following Taiwan and Nepal, and activists hope the first marriages will take place as early as October.

“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 scrutinized the law, told senators after the vote.

“Today love wins over prejudice.”

Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party, said ahead of the vote that the change in the law was “a victory for the people.”

The new legislation replaces references to “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” in marriage statutes with gender-neutral words.

It also grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples in terms of 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.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been outspoken in his support for the LGBTQ community and the bill, has said that she will open his official residence to activists and supporters for festivities later.

Since the Netherlands became the first to recognise same-sex unions in 2001, more than 30 countries have legalised marriage for everybody. However, throughout Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognise marital equality.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli