Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage on Tuesday, following a historic parliamentary decision hailed as a “victory” by activists.
The Senate upper chamber voted final approval—130 votes to four, with 18 abstentions—tto amendments to marriage legislation that allow same-sex couples to marry.
The new legislation will now be submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent, and it will take effect 120 days following publication in the official Royal Gazette.
Thailand will become only the third Asian country to allow same-sex couples to marry, following Taiwan and Nepal, and activists hope the first marriages will take place as early as October.
“We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped to bring about a massive change,” Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that scrutinised the law, told senators after the vote.
“Today, love wins over prejudice.”
Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, said the law amendment was “a victory for the people” before the vote.
The new legislation replaces references to “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” in marriage statutes with gender-neutral words.
It also grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples in terms of 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,” Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, told AFP.
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, who has been vociferous in her support for the LGBTQ community and the bill, will later host a celebration for activists and supporters at his official residence.
Activists are also planning an evening rally with a drag show in central Bangkok, where big shopping complexes have been flying the rainbow flag in solidarity since Pride Month began in June.
Thailand has long been known for its tolerance of the LGBTQ population, and opinion polls cited in local media show widespread public support for equal marriage.
Since the Netherlands became the first to recognise same-sex unions in 2001, more than 30 countries around the world have legalised marriage for everyone.
However, throughout Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognise marital equality. India came close in October, but the Supreme Court sent the decision back to Parliament.
“I am so happy to see how far we have come,” said Chotika Hlengpeng, a participant in the Pride march that drew thousands of enthusiasts in Bangkok early in June.
Tuesday’s vote represents the culmination of years of campaigning and failed attempts to pass equal marriage legislation.
While the move has widespread support, much of Buddhist-majority Thailand maintains traditional and conservative views.
Despite their increasing visibility, LGBTQ people say they continue to confront difficulties and prejudice in everyday life.
Some activists have condemned the new legislation for failing to respect transgender and non-binary people, who will still be unable to change their gender on official IDs.
