Only two countries in Asia, Taiwan and Nepal, recognise gay and lesbian marriages. While Thailand enjoys the reputation of being LGBTQ-friendly, activists in the kingdom have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values
Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriages after a landmark bill on LGBTQ marriage equality was passed in the Parliament on Thursday.
The bill sailed through on 399 to 10 votes in the lower house, although it still needs approval by the Senate before it is endorsed by the king, and then published in the Royal Gazette.
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“Today society has proved to us that they care about LGBT rights,” Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP with the progressive Move Forward Party which has pushed for LGBTQ+ rights, told AFP.
Only two countries in Asia, Taiwan and Nepal, recognise gay and lesbian marriages. While Thailand enjoys the reputation of being LGBTQ-friendly, activists in the kingdom have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values.
If and when the bill becomes law, references like “men”, “women”, “husband” and “wife” in the marriage law will be replaced with gender-neutral terms.
It also means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to enjoy inheritance and adoption rights in the kingdom for the first time.
“It’s a huge step for our country – it is the first in Southeast Asia,” Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a spokesperson with activist group Fortify Rights said.
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The LGBTQ community in Thailand is backed by the country’s prime minister, who made the policy a signature issue and told reporters last year that the change would strengthen family structures.
While Thailand has a reputation for tolerance, much of the Buddhist-majority country remains conservative and the LGBTQ community, while highly visible, still faces barriers and discrimination.
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With inputs from AFP
