Thailand is about to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage.

According to Reuters, the Thai Senate on June 18 passed a same-sex marriage bill, a move that paves the way for the country to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage.

The bill received support from a majority of lawmakers in Thailand with a ratio of 130 to 4, with 18 abstentions. The bill will take effect within 120 days from the date of Royal Assent.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Bangkok celebrate after the Thai Senate passed a bill on same-sex marriage on June 18, 2024.

The new law changes the words “man,” “woman,” “husband,” and “wife” in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms. In addition, the new law gives same-sex couples the same adoption and inheritance rights as heterosexuals.

"We will continue to fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in an X post. "This will underscore Thailand's leadership role in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality," the Thai Civil Society Committee on Same-Sex Marriage said.

Why does the Vatican not approve same-sex marriage?

Thailand, one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations, is often referred to as a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other) environment. In early June, thousands of festival-goers and LGBTQ+ communities held a Pride Month parade through the streets of Bangkok, along with Prime Minister Thavisin.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thai-lan-sap-thanh-nuoc-dong-nam-a-dau-tien-cong-nhan-hon-nhan-dong-gioi-185240619082643.htm