By WEB DESK: Thailand’s Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday, positioning it to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex couples.
This bill marks the culmination of over two decades of effort by activists and politicians, following several unsuccessful attempts to bring similar drafts to parliament.
With overwhelming support from nearly all lawmakers in the upper house, the law now requires royal approval and will take effect 120 days after being published in the royal gazette.
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LGBT advocates hailed the move as a “monumental step forward,” noting that Thailand would be the first nation in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, after Nepal and Taiwan, to enact marriage equality legislation.
“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a parliamentary committee member on same-sex marriage. “Today love triumphed over prejudice. After fighting for over 20 years, we can now say that this country has marriage equality.”
Scenes of celebration erupted in Thailand’s parliament, with lawmakers and activists waving rainbow flags, smiling, and raising their fists in solidarity with the LGBT community.
Thailand, a popular tourist destination in Asia, is already known for its vibrant LGBT culture and tolerance.
Earlier this month, thousands of revelers and activists paraded through the streets of Bangkok, joined by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to celebrate Pride Month.
“This underscores Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” stated the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTQI couples.
