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Thailand Poised to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage, A Historic First in Southeast Asia

Following overwhelming approval by the lower house, the bill now awaits Senate and royal endorsement to become law.

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People take part in the annual LGBTQ Pride parade in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Overview

  • Thailand's lower house of parliament overwhelmingly passed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.
  • The bill received support from all major parties and was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present, with only 10 voting against it.
  • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and major political parties have supported the bill, marking it as a signature issue.
  • The legislation amends the Civil and Commercial Code to use gender-neutral terms, granting LGBTQ+ couples rights to inheritance, tax allowances, and child adoption among others.
  • If the bill passes the Senate and receives royal endorsement, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the only places in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.