Thailand’s SENATE will debate a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, as the kingdom moves towards becoming the first Southeast Asian country to recognize marriage equality.
Thailand has long enjoyed an international reputation as a country tolerant of the LGBTQ community, but activists have fought for decades against conservative attitudes and values.
The lower house easily approved the law last week and the legislation now moves to the country’s unelected senate, which is filled with conservative officials appointed by the last junta.
Senators will discuss the bill, which changes references to “man,” “woman,” “husband” and “wife” in marriage law to gender-neutral terms, and take a first vote before passing it to committee for further consideration.
The Senate cannot reject the legislation but can send it back to the lower house for further debate for 180 days.
The bill will come back for two more Senate votes, with the next one possibly no earlier than July.
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Paulie Nataya Paomephan, who won Miss Trans Thailand in 2023, said until recently she never dreamed transgender people would be able to legally marry in Thailand.
“I think it’s because politicians have to adapt to a changing world,” he told AFP, adding that he and his girlfriend of three years planned to marry if the law passed.
Proud of our pride
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said he was “proud of our pride” after the lower house voted to approve the bill by 399-10.
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“The enactment of (this law) in parliament today is a proud moment for Thai people who will walk together towards social equality and respect for differences,” he wrote on the X social media platform.
In Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognize same-sex marriage. Last year, India’s top court deferred a decision to parliament, and Hong Kong’s top court came close to granting full marriage rights.
LGBTQ activists celebrated last Wednesday’s vote as an important milestone on the road to equality.
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Inside parliament, small cheers and applause accompanied the final vote, with one representative waving a rainbow flag.
The Prime Minister has been vocal in his support for the LGBTQ community, making marriage equality a key issue and telling journalists last year that the changes would strengthen family structures.
Polls reported by local media show the law has overwhelming support among Thai people.
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Although Thailand has a reputation for tolerance, the largely Buddhist country is still conservative, and LGBTQ people, although highly visible, still face barriers and discrimination.
Activist Ann Waaddao Chumaporn said she knows of dozens of LGBTQ couples who are ready to marry once the law passes, which she hopes will happen this year.
“Once the law comes into force, of course, it will change Thai society,” he told AFP.
“It will inspire other fights for other equality.” (AFP/Z-3)
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