Historic vote in Thai senate
On Tuesday, June 17, Thailand made history by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The Thai Senate’s upper house overwhelmingly approved amendments to the marriage law, allowing same-sex couples to marry legally. Out of the total votes, 130 legislators voted in favor, four opposed, and 18 abstained.
Awaiting royal assent
The bill now heads to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent and will come into effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette.
Regional context
Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Activists hope that the first same-sex weddings could take place as early as October.
Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and committee member who scrutinized the law, celebrated the vote, calling it a “great victory.” She stated, “We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. Today, love wins over prejudice.”
Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, hailed the legislative change as “a victory for the people.”
Legal changes
The new law replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language. This ensures equality for same-sex couples in areas such as adoption and inheritance.
