Thailand passes landmark bill, to become first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage
First Published: 19th June, 2024 10:23 IST
Gay rights activists hailed the action as a "monumental step forward."
As Thailand’s Senate passed a marriage equality bill, the move has now paved the way for the country to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriages, reported Al Jazeera.
In its final reading on Tuesday, the upper house passed the bill with 130 votes in favour, 4 against, and 18 abstentions from the 152 members present.
The measure will now go to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for formal approval, which is most likely to be approved. 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette, it will become operative, according to Al Jazeera.
After Taiwan and Nepal, Thailand will be the third Asian country to allow homosexual marriage if the law goes into effect.
Gay rights activists hailed the action as a “monumental step forward.”
Legislation renames “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” to gender-neutral words and defines marriage as a partnership between two people. Inheritance and adoption rights for LGBTQ couples would be equivalent to those of heterosexual marriages, reported Al Jazeera.
Although Thailand is renowned for its thriving LGBTQ community and acceptance, activists have battled against traditional beliefs for many years.
Laws that do not acknowledge transgender and nonbinary people have drawn criticism from many quarters.
“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, according to Al Jazeera.
In the National Assembly, politicians and activists were spotted having a good time. Some were seen raising their fists in support of the LGBTQ community and waving rainbow flags, following the bill was passed, according to Al Jazeera report.
Just 10 of the 415 sitting legislators voted against the bill when it was enacted by the lower house in March, making it almost unanimous.
For festivities, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been outspoken in his support of the LGBTQ community and the proposal, will welcome activists and supporters inside his official house. (ANI)
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live PM Modi is doing everything possible for Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
26th February 2025
Live #AdvantageAssam2| CMD of Medanta Medicity, Dr Naresh Trehan Speaks Exclusively To Northeast Live On Investment Plan
25th February 2025
Live Kuki-Zo Council Reaffirms Demand for Union Territory Status in Consultative Meeting
25th February 2025
Live Advantage Assam 2.0: Josel Francisco Inacio, Ambassador Phillipines Speaks Exclusively To Northeast Live On Mega Summit
25th February 2025WE RECOMMEND

‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ actor Lynne Marie Stewart passes away at 78
Stewart first appeared as Bonnie in the show's first season in 2005 and made her final appearance in the 16th season in 2023
23rd February 2025
Kash Patel sworn in as FBI Director, takes oath on Bhagavad Gita
The White House further emphasised that the FBI will now refocus on its core mission of enforcing justice fairly and without bias.
22nd February 2025
Bhutan’s Visionary Monarch King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Turns 45 Today: A Look His Transformative Leadership and Strengthening Indo-Bhutan Ties
The King has not only spearheaded ambitious projects within his nation but has also played a crucial role in strengthening Indo-Bhutan relations. Let's take a look.
21st February 2025
“They have a lot more money”: Trump questions USD 21 million fund for voter turnout in India
The DOGE, led by Elon Musk announced cancelling a USD 22 million funding intended for "voter turnout in India" on Saturday.
19th February 2025
Watch: Dog Flies Business Class On Singapore Airlines Captures Hearts
The dog sat in her seat for the 5.5-hour flight from Singapore to Tokyo without taking a toilet break.
18th February 2025