Thailand's parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill, a landmark step that moves one of Asia's most liberal countries closer to becoming its third territory to legalize same-sex unions.

Khwaeng Thanon Nakhon Chai Si

Thailand's parliament has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by overwhelmingly approving a bill related to same-sex unions. This legislative move signifies a landmark advancement for Thailand, positioning it as one of the most liberal countries in Asia on this issue. With this approval, Thailand is on the verge of becoming the third territory in Asia to legally recognize same-sex unions.



Thailand moves closer to legalizing same-sex unions

A pride flag flew in the Thai parliament on Wednesday when a historic bill was adopted with crushing margins. Three hundred and ninety-nine lawmakers voted for the bill and only ten opposed. Thailand is finally going to be accepted and truly recognised as a paradise for the LGBTQ community because we have passed equal marriage, I mean, in the near future. Pending adoption by the Senate, who rarely overrides parliamentary decisions, and royal approval, the bill changes the words men and women, and husband and wife, to individuals and marriage partners in the civil code. Some have voiced regret that the words mother and father are not being changed to the more gender-neutral parents. It's been a decade-long struggle for Thailand to get this far, political upheaval often causing the can to be kicked down the road, but the bill had the support of all major parties and was welcomed by many. Many people around me are LGBTQ. Everyone wants this bill to pass because they want to be able to marry just like everyone else. I'm pleased that the marriage equality legislation has passed and I hope it will be implemented because it will likely benefit many people. The Thai LGBT community is highly present in Bangkok, but many face discrimination in what is nevertheless a conservative majority Buddhist country.

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