Thailand Becomes First Southeast Asian Country to Legalise Same-Sex Marriage
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Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. On Tuesday, 18 June, the Senate of the kingdom approved a historic law on marriage equality, France24 reports.
It is reported that 130 senators voted in favour, while 4 deputies opposed the law, which activists hailed as a "victory".
The document still requires the king's approval before marriage equality becomes a reality in Thailand.
But this process is considered a formality. The law will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.
Thailand will become only the third place in Asia to allow same-sex couples to marry, after Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019 and Nepal in 2023. Activists hope that the first weddings can be celebrated in October.
The law grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights and recognition as heterosexual couples, including inheritance, adoption and healthcare decisions.
Previous attempts to legalise marriage equality over the past decade have stalled.
In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Thailand's current law, which provides for marriage between a man and a woman, is in line with the constitution.
Earlier this year, the Greek parliament approved a bill allowing same-sex marriage.