Thailand takes a step forward to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

Earlier this year, Thailand's lower chamber of parliament approved the same-sex marriage bill?with 400 voting in favour and only 10 voting against it. In order for?it to become law, the bill must first be approved by the country's Senate and then by the King.?Good news comes from the country as the Senate has passed the bill as well. Now, Thailand is one step away from becoming the first Southeast Asian country to have passed a same-sex marriage bill.?

When did the Senate pass the bill??

Thailand's lawmakers voted on Tuesday to adopt a marriage equality bill | Image: Pexels

Thailand's lawmakers voted on Tuesday to adopt a marriage equality bill, putting the country on track to become the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

Thailand's Senate passed the law on Tuesday afternoon, nearly three months after the House of Representatives approved it. The measure would take effect after being evaluated by a Senate committee and the Constitutional Court, as well as receiving the king's royal assent, which is largely expected.

What does the bill change in the country?? ??

The bill's passing emphasizes Thailand's position as a relative refuge for gay couples in Asia | Image: Pexels

The bill's passing emphasizes Thailand's position as a relative refuge for gay couples in Asia. Only Taiwan and Nepal have allowed same-sex marriages. India came close last year, but the Supreme Court deferred the decision to Parliament.?

Also read:?Thailand Passes Bill To Legalize Same Sex Marriage, Becomes The Third Asian Country On The List

Gay sex is illegal in a number of Asian countries. Indonesia, where gay marriage is prohibited, made extramarital sex criminal in 2022. In 2019, Brunei made gay sex punishable by stoning. Following massive international outrage, it announced that it would no longer carry out executions.

Which rights will LGBT couples have in Thailand after the bill becomes law??

The bill grants L.G.B.T.Q. couples have equal rights to adopt children, claim tax breaks, inherit property, and more | Image: Pexels

Thailand's bill defines marriage as a partnership between two people aged 18 and up but does not specify their gender. It also grants LGBTQ couples have equal rights to adopt children, claim tax breaks, inherit property, and agree to medical treatment if their partners become incompetent.?

Also read:?Love Is Love: This Dreamy Photoshoot Of Same Sex Hindu-Muslim Couple Goes Viral

The bill has been divisive from its first introduction more than 20 years ago. While Thailand is one of the most welcoming places in the world for LGBT people, it is nevertheless socially strict.

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