Thailand To Become The 1st Southeast Asian Country To Legalise Same-Sex Marriage; Landmark Bill Approved By Senate

After decades of lobbying for change by activists and lawyers alike, same-sex marriage in Thailand will soon be legalised. On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a landmark bill on marriage equality was passed by the Senate of Thailand by an overwhelming majority. The bill now needs a pro forma endorsement from the king of Thailand. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this marriage equality bill in Thailand.

Same-Sex Marriage Soon To Be Legalised In Thailand

According to an article which was recently published by The Week, the Senate of Thailand voted in an overwhelming majority to approve the landmark Marriage Equality bill. After decades of efforts from activists and lawyers alike, their efforts have finally borne fruit.

The approval of this bill was the last legislative hurdle in legalising gay marriage. Now, all that’s left is the pro forma endorsement by the king of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn. The bill will then be published in the Government Gazette and will be implemented within 120 days.

After implementation, queer Thai folks will be granted full legal rights for marriage. Out of the 150 members in the Senate, a total of 130 members voted for the bill. Only four voted against it and the rest of the 18 members abstained from voting.

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Will Come Into Effect Within 120 Days Of Publication In Gazette

Thailand became the third country in the Asian region to legalise gay marriage and the very first in Southeast Asia to do so. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took to the streets and participated in a pride march for equality.

June is celebrated as Pride Month across the world and hence, Thailand, too, celebrates the commemoration of the fight for equality and the right to love whoever one wants to love. India could certainly follow Thailand’s example.

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Do you have any queer friends in Thailand? How will you celebrate this landmark victory for equality and love? Let us know in the comments section below!

Cover Image Credits: Canva Images (For Representational Purposes Only)

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