Thailand has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage following a landmark parliamentary vote. The Senate upper house approved the amendment with 130 votes in favor, four against, and 18 abstentions, allowing same-sex couples to marry.
The new legislation will be sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal approval and will take effect 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette. This move positions Thailand alongside Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian country where same-sex couples can legally marry, with activists anticipating possible wedding ceremonies starting in October.
“We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped to bring about a massive change. Today love wins over prejudice,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that scrutinized the law, addressing senators after the vote.
Ahead of the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, described the change in the law as “a victory for the people.” The recent legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral terminology and grants same-sex couples equal rights to heterosexual couples in areas such as adoption and inheritance.
“My partner has one boy and I want to have legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say about his well-being. This bill will allow it,” said Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and the bill, will host celebrations at his official residence, welcoming activists and supporters. Additionally, activists are planning an evening rally featuring a drag show in central Bangkok, where large shopping malls have displayed the rainbow flag in support since the beginning of Pride Month in June.
Thailand’s move reflects its longstanding reputation for tolerance towards the LGBTQ community, with local opinion polls showing overwhelming public support for marriage equality. Globally, more than 30 countries have legalized same-sex marriage since the Netherlands celebrated the first unions in 2001.