Thailand Becomes the First Southeast Asian Country With Equal Marriage
A march for equal marriage in Thailand. Photo: X/ @ianbremmer
June 18, 2024 Hour: 11:55 am
The law guarantees same-sex unions the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples, including those related to inheritance, tax deductions, and child adoption.
On Monday, the Thai Senate approved a law allowing same-sex marriage with 130 votes in favor, 4 against, and 18 abstentions.
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The new law must be sent to the Government Cabinet and signed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The legislation would finally come into effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, which is expected to happen by the end of October or November.
“The same-sex marriage law in Thailand is a triumph for justice and human rights… The path to this point has been long and fraught with challenges, but today’s vote to ensure same-sex marriage marks a historic moment worth celebrating,” said Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, an activist from the NGO Fortify Rights.
In celebration of this vote, Bangkok saw a parade through its main avenues and an event at the Government House promoted by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was one of the law’s advocates.
A small stage for performances, the display of rainbow flags, and the parade of dozens of couples holding hands were the highlights of the march organized by activist Waddao Ann Chumaporn.
“This is the day we have been waiting for. Our voices have been heard, and today we have triumphed. We have brought equality to Thailand,” she stressed.
Among the changes made by the new law is the definition of marriage as a union between “two people” instead of a union between “a man and a woman.” It also replaces the legal status of “husband and wife” with the concept of a “married couple” without gender specification.
Additionally, the new law guarantees same-sex unions the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples, including those related to inheritance, tax deductions, and child adoption.
Once it comes into effect, Thailand will be the third Asian country where same-sex couples can marry, after Taiwan and Nepal. It will also be the first country with equal marriage in Southeast Asia, a region where setbacks in gender rights are evident in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, or Brunei.
Despite Thailand having one of the Asian largest and most visible LGBTQ+ communities, activists have been criticizing for years that the conservative laws do not reflect the changes and attitudes of society in recent decades, failing to recognize transgender and non-binary people.
“Activists have been fighting for this for over 20 years. This law is just the beginning of the creation of an egalitarian society that respects gender diversity,” emphasized Waddao Ann Chumaporn.
Sources: EFE
teleSUR/ JF
