Thailand Senate approves Same-Sex marriage bill

In what stands a historic move for the LGBTQ community, the Thai Senate passed a bill on Tuesday legalising same-sex marriage, making Thailand the third country in Asia to recognize such unions.

The bill, which had previously passed the lower House in March with overwhelming support, now awaits the assent of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The Senate’s approval saw 130 votes in favor, with only four against and 18 abstentions. This decisive vote is the culmination of years of campaigning by LGBTQ advocates in Thailand, a country known for its progressive stance on many social issues yet still grappling with traditional and conservative values.

The bill’s passage through both legislative houses signifies a significant shift in Thailand’s legal landscape, aligning the country with global trends toward marriage equality. Should King Vajiralongkorn give his assent by publishing the bill in the Royal Gazette, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the only Asian nations to legalize same-sex marriage.

“Equal marriage” has garnered substantial support across Thailand, despite the challenges LGBTQ individuals face, including societal discrimination. The legislation’s approval reflects this growing acceptance and positions Thailand as a leader in LGBTQ rights within the region.

The global movement for marriage equality began with the Netherlands in 2001. Since then, at least 37 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United States, have enacted laws legalizing same-sex marriage, covering about 20 percent of the world’s population.

In Asia, India nearly approved same-sex unions in October last year, but the Supreme Court referred the decision to parliament, highlighting the ongoing legal and cultural battles faced by LGBTQ communities worldwide.

Thailand’s journey to this legislative milestone has been arduous, marked by numerous setbacks. However, Tuesday’s Senate vote represents a significant victory for equality and human rights, signaling a new era for same-sex couples in the country.