Lawmakers in Thailand advanced a bill that would grant marriage rights to same-sex couples.
The proposal passed the nation’s lower house of parliament with 400 of a possible 415 votes. If the policy is enacted, Thailand would be the third territory in Asia to alter its laws to include LGBTQ-identifying people.
Every major political party supported the bill.
“We did this for all Thai people to reduce disparity in society and start creating equality,” said Danuphorn Punnakanta, the chairman of the parliamentary committee behind the bill, while addressing the chamber, per Reuters. “I want to invite you all to make history.”
The bill amends Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code to remove gender-specific terms like “husband and wife” which will be replaced with phrases like “individuals” or “marriage partners.” Legally recognized marital status would give LGBTQ couples access to financial and medical benefits.
LGBTQ advocates stressed the necessity of adopting gender-neutral language ahead of the vote.
“Thailand is close to becoming the first country in south-east Asia to ensure marriage rights for LGBTI+ couples, which is a cause for celebration; however, certain shortcomings in the current draft must be addressed to ensure all rights extend to LGBTI+ persons,” said Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a human rights associate at Fortify Rights, in a statement, per The Guardian.
Thailand is already regarded as one of the region’s most liberal nations and is known for its established LGBT community.
The Pheu Thai Party made the legalization of same-sex marriage a priority after taking leadership of the Thai government in 2023. The change was also supported by the previously top political party, the Thai Rak Tahi Party. Pheu Thai had supported previous legislative efforts to revise the nation’s marriage laws, including proposing the Civil Partnership Bill in 2013.
The latest bill will now be sent to the country’s Senate, where it is expected to pass. The policy must be endorsed by the king before it becomes law.
According to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll, opinions on same-sex marriage vary drastically across Asia. Japan reported the highest favorability rates with seven of every 10 people indicating they are somewhat in favor and 11% of people are strongly in favor. Vietnam and Thailand reported similar results with favourability rates of 65% and 60% respectively. In contrast, just 5% of Indonesia is in favor of same-sex marriage and 92% are opposed. Over 80% of participants from Malaysia opposed same-sex marriage, as did 69% of people from Sri Lanka, and 56% of people from South Korea.
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