Same-sex marriages legalised in Thailand
Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise marriage for same-sex couples. The first such weddings are to take place later this year.
On 18 June, the Thai Senate approved the marriage equality law's final reading, positioning Thailand to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex couples. The bill, which reflects over two decades of activist efforts, garnered overwhelming support from the upper house lawmakers. The legislation now requires only royal approval.
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Thailand’s Senate backs same-sex marriages with an overwhelming majority
The law will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, meaning that the first same-sex weddings could take place later this year, Reuters reports.
"Today, we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Bill. I am proud of the collective effort of all stakeholders, which reiterates the power of "unity in diversity" of the Thai society. We will continue our fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wrote on X.
"We are very proud to make history," said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage. Today, love triumphed over prejudice. After fighting for more than 20 years, we can say that this country has marriage equality." Reuters described the atmosphere in the Thai parliament, noting that lawmakers and activists were smiling and waving rainbow flags.
Same-sex marriage in Asia and Europe
Thailand, one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations, is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance. In early June, thousands of people paraded through the streets of Bangkok to celebrate Pride Month, with Prime Minister Srettha notably participating in a rainbow shirt. Thailand has now become the first country in East Asia to legalise marriage equality. Previously, in 2019, Taiwan, which is not recognised as a state by most other countries, introduced similar legislation.
In Europe, same-sex couples can marry in the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Poland is required to regulate the legal status of same-sex couples following the December 2023 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. The Court ruled that the lack of regulation in this area violates the European Convention on Human Rights.
Source: reuters.com
