Thai Parliament Moves Closer to Legalising Same-Sex Marriage

Overwhelming support from lawmakers and public could make Thailand third Asian country to recognize same-sex unions.

Thai parliament has begun deliberating four draft Bills on same-sex marriage, with a first vote expected soon.
The Bills include one tabled by the new government, another by civil society groups, and two by opposition parties.
A government survey showed 96.6% public support for the draft Bill.
All but 11 of 371 lawmakers present in parliament's lower house voted to approve the draft legislation.
If the legislation is enacted and receives royal assent, Thailand would become the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to recognise same-sex marriage.