Thailand has taken a significant step toward achieving marriage equality as its lower house passed a bill recognizing same-sex marriage, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Southeast Asia.
The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and royal endorsement, expected by the end of 2024, which would make Thailand the only country in the region to legally recognize same-sex unions.
The new law, if fully enacted, would redefine marriage as a partnership between two individuals rather than strictly between a man and a woman.
It grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights in areas such as marital tax benefits, inheritance rights, and medical decision-making for incapacitated partners.
Additionally, the law allows married same-sex couples to adopt children, although certain terminology choices, such as using “fathers and mothers” instead of “parents,” were not fully aligned with equality advocates’ recommendations.
Thailand has been considered relatively LGBTQ+ friendly compared to other Asian nations due to existing laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
However, achieving marriage equality has been a long-standing goal that required years of advocacy despite widespread public support, as indicated by a government survey showing 96.6% approval for the bill.
The passage of this bill is seen as a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates and reflects evolving attitudes and policies in Thailand and across Asia.
While some countries in the region still criminalize same-sex intimacy, Thailand’s progress marks a positive shift towards greater inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Source-BBC
