Thailand Has Passed A Bill To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

On Tuesday June 18, Thailand’s upper house of the senate overwhelmingly passed a bill with 130 votes in favor and 4 against.

Thailand Has Passed A Bill To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand has passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.

Thailand passes same-sex marriage bill
A Thai couple holds a sign that says "getting married, finally equality" during the Bangkok Pride Parade on June 01, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo credit: Getty)

On Tuesday June 18, Thailand’s upper house of the senate overwhelmingly passed a bill with 130 votes in favor and 4 against.

The bill would change the definition of marriage to one between two individuals, instead of between a man and a woman.

same-sex marriage now legal in thailand
A drag queen is walking in the parade at Bangkok Pride 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 1, 2024. (Photo credit: Getty)

It will also grant LGBTQ couples the same rights as heterosexual couples including being able to adopt children, inherit property and consent to medical treatment for their partner.

same-sex couple can get married in thailand
A couple kisses during the Bangkok Pride Parade on June 01, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo credit: Getty)

The bill will now go to the Thai king, who is widely expected to sign it into law as a formality.

LGBTQ rights in Thailand
Srettha Thavisin (C), prime minister seen waving rainbow flag during the Bangkok Pride Parade 2024. (Photo credit: Getty)

Once legalized, Thailand would become the third country in Asia to allow same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.

Thailand LGBTQ marriage
A parade participant dressed in Thai traditional dress holds a rainbow fan during the Bangkok Pride Parade on June 01, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo credit: Getty)

Thailand has one of the most open and visible LGBTQ cultures and communities in Asia, but activists say LGBTQ people still face discrimination through outdated laws and institutions.

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