On Tuesday, legislators in Thailand voted to approve a bill that allows same-sex couples to marry even though it will make it the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize the same. On Tuesday afternoon, Thailand’s Senate voted 130-4 with some abstentions in favor of the bill. The House of Representatives approved it in March. A Senate committee and the Constitutional Court would review such legislation before receiving royal assent from the king.
“Finally love wins,” said activist Plaifa Kyoka Shodladd inside the senate chamber after casting a vote, “after 20 years trying to legalise this matter.” It is symbolic for gay couples across Asia that this has been passed by Thailand. Same-sex marriage has only been legalized in Taiwan and Nepal.
In some parts of Asia, homosexual sex is a criminal offence. In 2022, Indonesia made extramarital relations illegal but gay marriage remained prohibited there as well. Brunei, on its part, sentenced homosexuality to death by stoning last year; however, following international outrage it announced that no further executions would take place.
Despite blistering heat hundreds of supporters descended on downtown Bangkok to commemorate what they saw as a pivotal moment waving flags and releasing colourful balloons near Pride rally. A firecracker went off starting a parade accompanied by confetti falling from above. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and also a 90s Thai pop song known as “History”, played during the rally with Lyrics similar like these ones: ‘History won’t repeat no more history about change its course change towards equality.’ I could not come because of COVID illness but PM Srettha Thavisin promised to host an event on Tuesday for activists where they can celebrate their success.
Thailand’s proposed legislation amends its civil and commercial code stating that marriage can be entered into only by people aged eighteen or over without specifying whether they are male or female. Likewise, it gives LGBTQ couples the same rights as heterosexual marriages under one’s will and with regard to income tax, inheritance and medical consent.
This bill has been a subject of contention since it was initially introduced more than 20 years ago. Even though Thailand is known for being home to some of the most gay-friendly places in the world, there are still conservative cultural aspects present. In February lawmakers voted down a bill that would have allowed people to change their gender on official papers. However, most Thais support marriage equality. Last year in a survey, 60% of adults in Thailand said they agreed that same-sex marriage should be legalised.
