Thailand Makes History As First Southeast Asian Country To Legalize Same-sex Marriage

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Thailand has legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. The groundbreaking law, which received royal assent from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, will come into effect in 120 days, making it LGBTQ-plus couples to get married from January 22, 2025.

About the law and what officials say about it: The same-sex marriage bill, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, amends the Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language, making full legal, financial and medical rights for same-sex couples, including adoption and inheritance rights. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marked the occasion in a X-messagewriting, “Congratulations on everyone’s love” along with the hashtag #LoveWins. Meanwhile, Bangkok Deputy Gov. Sanon Wangsrangboon assured that city officials are ready to facilitate same-sex marriage registrations once the law becomes law. The royal signing of the law represents a culmination of more than two decades of advocacy. “We have waited for a long time. Once it becomes law, we will register our marriage,” actor and YouTuber Apiwat Apiwatsayree said AFP.
Why this is important: This important step marks Thailand becoming the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan in 2019 And Nepal last yearagainst a backdrop of ongoing struggle for LGBTQ-plus rights in the region. Community members hailed the law as a “monumental step” for equality, with prominent LGBTQ-plus activist Ann Chumaporn calling the BBC“Today, we are not only allowed to write our names on marriage certificates, but we are also writing a page in history… It is a triumph of equality and human dignity.” Despite Thailand’s reputation for LGBTQ+ tolerance, many in the community reportedly continue to face discrimination. Activists are planning a mass wedding for more than 1,000 couples on the first day the law goes into effect.