THailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after King Maha Vajiralongkorn passed the law passed by parliament three months ago.
The king’s approval of the same-sex law was announced in a gazette notice late Tuesday, with the clause that the law takes effect 120 days from the date of publication. The new law will allow same-sex couples to legally register marriages from 22 January.
Under the new law, Thailand will accept the registration of same-sex marriages for couples aged 18 and over, as well as their rights to inheritance, tax benefits and adoption, among others. It is seen as a victory for LGBTQ activists, who have fought for more than a decade for equal marriage rights with heterosexual couples.
Although Thai laws have protected LGBTQ people from many forms of discrimination since 2015, efforts to legalize marriage rights have stalled. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration defended the law, saying it would further damage Thailand’s image as an LGBTQ-friendly tourist destination.
Thailand becomes the third in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal, and ranks among about 40 countries around the world to guarantee equal marriage rights. The nation stands out in Southeast Asia where there has been little progress in recognizing the rights of the LGBTQ community who often face discrimination.
Thailand’s House of Representatives and Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the bill earlier this year. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed the king’s approval of the law.
“We appreciate the support from all agencies. It’s a joint fight for everyone,” he wrote on X.
The so-called marriage equality bill is technically an amendment to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code. The government is expected to follow the law respecting gender identity.
Source link
