Thailand’s Senate approved the final draft of a marriage equality law this Tuesday (18), paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex couples.
The bill, the result of more than two decades of activist efforts, was supported by an overwhelming majority of parliamentarians in the upper house.
The law, which needs royal assent, will come into force 120 days after it is published on the official diarymeaning the first same-sex marriages could take place this year.
“Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Law,” said Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in a message on X.
“We will continue our fight for social rights for all people, regardless of their status.”
LGBT advocates called the move a “monumental breakthrough”, as Thailand will be the first nation in Southeast Asia to enact marriage equality legislation and the third in Asia, after Nepal and Taiwan.
“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage.
“Today love triumphed over prejudice. After fighting for more than 20 years, today we can say that this country has marriage equality.”
*Reproduction of this content is prohibited.
