Thailand passes marriage equality bill: The first in Southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality

It is a basic right to choose who to love, and who to marry. Whilst it arguably should have happened a long time ago, this monumental step will pave the way for more. Thailand is set to officially become the first country in Southeast Asia, and third in Asia, to achieve marriage equality. Same-sex weddings could take places as soon as the end of this year.

Pride Month in Thailand this year is bigger and brighter than ever before. People are already celebrating in the streets as the marriage equality bill passed its reading today. As the Senate approved the bill, it is now official that the LGBTQ+ community will be able to get married. As per heterosexual couples, same-sex couples will now also be allowed to get married.

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Thailand passes marriage equality bill: The first in Southeast Asia to achieve marriage equality

The marriage equality bill was approved with 130 votes for, 4 against, and 18 abstaining. All that’s left is for the bill to be sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal ascent — a formality expected to go over well — and to be in full effect 120 days after being published in the Royal Gazette.

This development will grant legal partnership to two people without specifying their gender, allow LGBTQ+ couples to adopt children, inherit properties, and give consent to medical treatment in place of their partner when they are incapacitated.

People say this is a monumental step within Thai politics and equality; a product of decades-worth of efforts and struggles, of activists and the community alike. After all, previous drafts of the marriage equality bill did not even reach parliament.

Passing the equality bill is not just about the right to marry, it’s also about sending a message. Thailand has always been a Buddhist nation with conservative Buddhist values. Although we’re seen as a gay-friendly country, people of the LGBTQ+ community still faces discrimination and barriers, with stereotypes and expectations to fit within a certain box.

As of now, we are the third nation to legalise marriage equality, after Taiwan and Nepal. In a continent where many countries still see being who you are as a punishable, criminal offense, this news is much needed, and sparks a glimmer of hope for LGBTQ+ folks in places where they still felt the need the hide who they are.

Today, we are still not equal, but we are very much starting to getting there.