After the last reading, Thailand’s senate has approved an equality in marriage law, raising prospects for the nation to be the first within southeast Asia to officially recognise same-sex partners. An overwhelming bulk of the upper house politicians endorsed the bill, which represents more than 20 years of persistent efforts by campaigners. Once it gains the monarch’s consent, the law will be operational a 120 days after it is noted in the royal gazette, which could mean the inaugural same-sex matrimony ceremonies might occur before the close of this year.
“Today’s a momentous juncture in our Equal Marriage Bill journey,” announced Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin on a post on X. He added, “Our pursuit for social rights for all people, irrespective of status, continues.”
Those lobbying for LGBT+ rights hailed this progression as a “significant stride forward”. If the marriage equality legislation sees enactment, this will mark Thailand as the premier country in southeast Asia to do so, and third in the Asia region, succeeding Nepal and Taiwan.
“We are immensely proud to contribute to history,” expressed Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the legislative committee concerning same-sex marriage. She continued, “Today, love has won against bias… after over 20 years of struggle, today we declare that this country possesses marriage equality.”
In Thailand’s parliamentary building, lawmakers and campaigners were observed rejoicing, hoisting rainbow-coloured flags and showcasing broad smiles, some others made a show of solidarity with the LGBT+ people by raising their fists.
In the northern province of Chiang Mai, adding to the joyous voices was Matcha Phornin, a human rights campaigner, along with her partner Veerawan Wanna, and their adopted daughter, who were intently watching the senate session on television.
“We have garnered support from parliament, from the senators who approved this law. This denotes we are legally protected,” Matcha remarked, as they celebrated the bill’s approval by hugging each other.
“She will gain legal status of adoption henceforth,” Matcha said, referring to their daughter.
Renowned for its lively LGBT+ culture and tolerance, Thailand, a major tourist hotspot in Asia, started June with numerous activists and revellers marching in the streets of Bangkok, with Prime Minister Srettha, adorned in a rainbow shirt, in attendance as part of Pride Month celebrations.
The enactment “will highlight Thailand’s pioneering role in the region to champion for human rights and gender equality,” activists, pro-marriage equality Civil Society Commission, and LGBT+ partners stated in a joint communique. – Reuters