Thailand’s Senate approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on June 18, 2024, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill, which had already passed through the House of Representatives. The legislation will grant full legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners of any gender, and will replace gender-specific terms in the country’s Civil and Commercial Code with gender-neutral ones. The bill now awaits the endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and its publication in the Government Gazette before it becomes effective.
The government hosted a celebration at Government House following the bill’s approval. The event was attended by politicians, celebrities, diplomats, and activists from the LGBTQ+ community, who participated in a colorful parade of floats after the vote. The ground was decorated with rainbow carpets, flags, and a giant balloon in the shape of two hands making a heart sign. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was unable to attend due to COVID-19, expressed pride in the collective effort that led to the bill’s passage, emphasizing the importance of unity and diversity in Thai society.
Despite Thailand’s reputation for acceptance and inclusivity, the country has struggled to pass a marriage equality law due to conservative values held by society and government agencies. Advocates for gender equality have faced challenges in pushing for change among lawmakers and civil servants, reflecting the difficulty in challenging traditional views. The bill, once official, will make Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage and will mark a significant step towards ensuring equal rights for all individuals, regardless of gender.
The timing of the Senate vote on the first day of the current parliamentary session underscored the urgency in getting the bill passed. While the legislation received overwhelming support, there was some opposition as one member argued for retaining gender-specific terms in addition to gender-neutral ones. However, proponents of the bill lauded its approval as a triumph for justice and human rights. The government’s focus now will be on ensuring the swift and effective implementation of the law to safeguard the rights of the LGBTQ+ community without delay or discrimination.
Thailand’s government, led by the Pheu Thai party, has made marriage equality one of its main goals. The party has aligned itself with the LGBTQ+ community by participating in the annual Bangkok Pride parade, signaling its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The passing of the marriage equality bill reflects a growing acceptance of diverse identities in Thai society and a step towards creating a more inclusive and just environment for all individuals. As the bill awaits final endorsement, Thailand prepares to cement its status as a trailblazer in Southeast Asia for LGBTQ+ rights.
