BANGKOK. Thailand’s Senate passed a landmark marriage equality law on Tuesday, positioning the nation to become the first in Southeast Asia to officially recognize same-sex couples. The bill, supported by a significant majority of lawmakers in the upper house, marks the culmination of over two decades of advocacy by activists.
The law, awaiting royal approval, will take effect 120 days after its publication in the royal gazette, potentially allowing the first same-sex weddings to occur later this year.
“Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey of our Equal Marriage Bill,” Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on X. “We will continue our fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status.”
LGBTQ+ advocates hailed the move as a “monumental step forward,” noting that Thailand would become the first nation in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia, following Nepal and Taiwan, to enact marriage equality legislation.
“We are very proud to make history,” said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage. “Today love triumphed over prejudice… after fighting for more than 20 years, today we can say that this country has marriage equality.”
Celebrations erupted in Thailand’s parliament, with lawmakers and activists waving rainbow flags, smiling, and raising their fists in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
In Chiang Mai province, human rights activist Matcha Phornin, her wife Veerawan Wanna, and their adopted daughter watched the senate proceedings intently. “We have support from the parliament, from the senators who passed this law. That means we are protected by law,” Matcha said after they cheered and hugged each other when the bill passed. “And she will be legally adopted after this,” Matcha added, referring to their daughter.
Thailand, already renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance, further showcased its progressive stance earlier this month. Thousands of revelers and activists paraded through the streets of Bangkok for Pride Month, joined by Prime Minister Srettha, who wore a rainbow shirt in celebration.
“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTQI couples said in a statement.
The passing of this bill represents a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand and sets a precedent for neighboring countries in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
