Thailand to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage: A Victory for the People
Thai lawmakers convened on Tuesday to vote on legalizing same-sex marriage, positioning the nation to potentially become Southeast Asia’s pioneer in recognizing marriage equality.
The legislation is expected to be approved by the senate upper house, followed by royal assent from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and will take effect 120 days after its publication in the official Royal Gazette.
Thailand is poised to join Taiwan and Nepal as one of the few places in Asia where same-sex couples can legally marry. Activists are optimistic that the first weddings could take place as early as October.
MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat from the Move Forward Party expressed, “Today marks a moment of joy for the Thai people. It’s a win for everyone.”
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“Today marks a historic moment in Thailand,” Tunyawaj, a prominent advocate for equal marriage in parliament, stood proudly with fellow MPs and aides, displaying a rainbow banner.
The senate session commenced at 9:30 am (0230 GMT), with a final vote on the law anticipated later in the afternoon.
The new law replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” in marriage statutes with gender-neutral language. It also grants same-sex couples equal rights to adoption and inheritance as heterosexual couples.
Following the vote on Tuesday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community and the bill, will welcome activists and supporters to his official residence for celebrations.
Subsequently, activists will organize a rally in central Bangkok, complete with a drag show. This event comes after giant shopping malls in the area began displaying the rainbow flag in support of Pride Month festivities since June began.
Extended challenge
Thailand has maintained a longstanding reputation for being tolerant of the LGBTQ community. Local media polls have consistently shown strong public support for equal marriage.
Since the Netherlands pioneered the celebration of same-sex unions in 2001, over 30 countries worldwide have legalized marriage for all. However, in Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal have embraced marriage equality. India nearly joined them in October, but the Supreme Court referred the decision back to parliament.
“I am thrilled to witness our progress,” remarked Chotika Hlengpeng, who participated in the Pride march that attracted thousands of enthusiasts in Bangkok earlier this June.
The vote on Tuesday marks the culmination of years of advocacy efforts and previous unsuccessful attempts to pass equal marriage legislation.
Despite enjoying widespread support, Thailand, with its Buddhist-majority population, continues to uphold traditional and conservative values.
Although LGBTQ individuals are prominently visible, they report encountering barriers and discrimination in their daily lives.
Critics of the new laws have pointed out that they do not acknowledge transgender and non-binary individuals. These groups will still be unable to legally change their gender on official identity documents.
