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Thailand Passes Landmark Marriage Equality Bill, First in Southeast Asia with 130-4 Vote

Jun 18, 2024, 08:09 AM

Thailand's Senate has passed a landmark bill recognizing marriage equality, making it the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill was approved in a special session on Tuesday, with a vote of 130-4, during its final reading. This historic decision is expected to significantly impact the lives of many, including Thai lesbian couple Vorawan 'Beaut' Ramwan and Anticha 'An' Sangchai, who have been together for four years and are now looking forward to cementing their relationship. The passage of the Marriage Equality Bill has been hailed as a 'monumental step forward' by LGBTQ+ advocates and is seen as a victory for the people. Thailand now joins Nepal and Taiwan as the third territory in Asia to recognize same-sex couples. The bill now awaits the formal ascent of the king. A civil group that proposed the draft for the bill gathered at Parliament to show their support.