Bangkok [Thailand], June 19: Thailand is close to recognizing same-sex marriage, when the Senate and previously the House of Representatives passed this bill.
According to Reuters, Thailand's Senate on June 18 passed the same-sex marriage bill , a move that paves the way for the country to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognize same-sex marriage.
This bill received the support of the majority of lawmakers in Thailand with a ratio of 130/4, with 18 abstentions. The bill will take effect within 120 days from the date of royal approval.
The new law changes words relating to "man", "woman", "husband" and "wife" in marriage law to gender-neutral terms. In addition, the new law gives same-sex couples the same adoption and inheritance rights as heterosexuals.
"We will continue to fight for social rights for everyone regardless of their status," Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in a post on X. The Thai Civil Society Committee on Same-Sex Marriage affirmed: "This will highlight Thailand's leadership role in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality."
Thailand, one of the famous tourist destinations in Asia, is often mentioned for its vibrant and open LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other orientation) environment. In early June, thousands of festival-goers and LGBTQ+ communities held a Pride Month parade through the streets of Bangkok, alongside Prime Minister Thavisin.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper