This new legislation will make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to vote in favour of marriage equality
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY INKDROP
In a historic moment, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage on Tuesday (18 June). The new bill received overwhelming support within the Senate, with 130 senators voting in favour of it.
This new bill will mean that Thailand will become the third country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, following in the footsteps of Taiwan and Nepal. The bill does still require endorsement from the King before marriage equality can come into effect in Thailand.
Amnesty International’s Thailand Researcher, Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong, said: “Thailand has taken a historic step towards becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise marriage for LGBTI couples. This landmark moment is a reward for the tireless work of activists, civil society organisations and lawmakers who have fought for this victory.”
With this new bill, LGBTQIA couples will be granted the same rights as heterosexual couples in relation to marriage, child adoption, healthcare consent and inheritance. With endorsement from the King, the new bill will come into effect 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette.
While many will be celebrating in Thailand after this momentous news, Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong added that there is still work to be done.
“While there is no doubt that the legalisation of marriage for LGBTI couples is a key milestone for Thailand, much more must be done to guarantee full protection of LGBTI people in the country. LGBTI people in Thailand continue to face many forms of violence and discrimination, including but not limited to technology-facilitated gender-based violence which often targets human rights defenders.”
“The Thai authorities must build on the momentum and take further steps that protect the rights and ensure the participation of LGBTI people and organisations.”
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