Thailand's parliament has 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.

Bangkok

Thailand's parliament has recently approved a marriage equality bill, marking a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. This legislative action is seen as a milestone, pushing Thailand towards becoming the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex unions. The bill received overwhelming support from the parliament, symbolizing a progressive shift in societal attitudes towards marriage equality within one of Asia’s most liberal countries. 



Thailand passes marriage equality bill

This is the moment Thailand's parliament approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday. It is a landmark step that moves the country closer to becoming Asia's third territory to legalize same-sex unions. The legislation was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present. The bill's passage marks a significant step towards cementing Thailand's position as one of Asia's most liberal countries on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, alongside its traditional conservative Buddhist values. The country has long been a draw for same-sex couples. It has a vibrant and visible LGBT social scene for locals and expatriates. Thailand also has targeted campaigns to attract LGBT travellers. However, rights activists have long maintained its laws and institutions do not reflect social attitudes towards LGBT people and same-sex couples. LGBT activists said the passing of the bill was a positive step, but there were some unresolved issues. During Wednesday's debate, LGBT advocates who were on the parliamentary committee had pushed unsuccessfully for the terms father and mother to be changed to the gender-neutral parent in references to the family unit. The Marriage Equality Bill still requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the King before it becomes law, and would take effect 120 days later.

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London

King Charles to resume public duties after cancer diagnosis

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Paris

Israel-Gaza War

Pro-Palestinian protesters still occupying Sciences Po campus

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Nairobi

Climate Crisis

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New York

U.S. Presidential Election

The Australian journalist caught up in Trump trial

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Council of the City of Sydney

Reserve Bank set to raise interest rates, expert predicts

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Marsden Park

Mourners farewell Bondi security guard Faraz Tahir

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Washington

U.S. Supreme Court weighs arguments on Trump immunity case

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Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction overturned

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Jerusalem

Israel steps up airstrikes on Rafah ahead of ground operation

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Port-au-Prince

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Beirut

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Doha

Ukraine Invasion

Russia and Ukraine to exchange dozens of displaced children

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Phoenix

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Geographe

Mass whale stranding in southwest WA

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Kokoda

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Wakeley

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Sderot

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Athens

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Thousands of veterans take part in ANZAC Day marches

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Pyongyang

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Berlin

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