Thailand set to be first Asean nation to recognise same-sex marriages after bill passes

The bill’s passage marks a major victory for LGBTQ activists after campaigning over many years to push for marriage parity

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Members of Thailand’s LGBTQ community arrive ahead of the passing of the marriage equality bill in its second and third readings by the Senate. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:13pm, 18 Jun 2024Updated: 5:15pm, 18 Jun 2024

Thailand’s same-sex marriage bill on Tuesday sailed through its final political hurdle after the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of a law that will make the kingdom the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise marriage equality.

The Senate voted by majority in favour of the bill which will now go for royal assent and other formalities, which can take around four months before becoming law. Thailand will then become only the third Asian jurisdiction – after Nepal and Taiwan – to allow gay marriages.

The passing of the marriage equality bill through both parliamentary chambers marks a major victory for LGBTQ activists after campaigning over many years to push for parity in a country whose liberal social attitudes have not until now been matched by its civil union law.

The new law defines marriage in gender-neutral terms instead of referring only to “men” and “women” and accords same-sex couples rights over inheritance, hospital consent, property management and adoption previously denied to them.

“Thailand’s new marriage equality law is a triumph for justice and human rights,” said Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, Human Rights Associate at Fortify Rights.

“The journey to this point has been long and fraught with challenges, but today’s vote to ensure marriage equality marks a historic moment that deserves celebration.”