They were pressured by outside forces non-stop. Many though said this was simply fair and the right thing to do. The agenda though will morph into the evil that is taking place in the U.S. and Europe, over the next few years. You can bank on it.
On Tuesday, Thailand’s Senate passed a significant bill to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a pivotal step for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. This legislative move underscores Thailand’s growing acceptance and inclusivity, despite its historical struggle with conservative values that often hinder progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
Thailand Senate approves same-sex gay marriage. 1st in Southeast Asia. The bill now needs royal approval. pic.twitter.com/xpau9h2CoW
— Homo Against Queer Theory (@Homonotqueer) June 18, 2024
The bill, which allows full legal, financial, and medical rights for spouses regardless of gender, received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives during the previous parliamentary session, with 400 out of 415 members voting in favor. It continued its successful streak in the Senate, where 130 out of 152 members voted in favor, with only 4 opposing and 18 abstaining. The legislation now awaits the formality of approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn and will be officially enacted within 120 days of its publication in the Government Gazette.
This legislation marks Thailand as the third place in Asia, following Taiwan and Nepal, to recognize same-sex marriage. It amends the country’s Civil and Commercial Precode, replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral ones to ensure equality for all individuals.
Congratulations Thailand! 🏳️🌈
Thai lawmakers pass "same-sex marriage" law, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to do so!pic.twitter.com/Dp1QqoH0ol
— BL Update (@BLUPDATE2022) June 18, 2024
Despite the general consensus, the passage was not without its challenges. A retired army general in the Senate proposed that gender-specific terms be retained alongside the neutral ones, arguing that removing them entirely would undermine the traditional family structure. However, this view did not prevail, and the bill moved forward.
The reaction to the Senate’s decision was filled with celebration and optimism. A young non-binary individual, Plauleun Khem, expressed gratitude to the supporters of the bill, highlighting it as a beacon of hope for diversity and acceptance in Thailand. The sentiment was echoed at a large celebration at the Government House, where decorations and a parade featuring rainbow motifs and symbols of unity and love commemorated the occasion.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, although absent due to health reasons, conveyed his congratulations and reiterated the importance of unity in diversity via social media. His government, which came into power last year with a commitment to championing social rights and marriage equality, actively participated in recent pride events, aligning itself with the cause.
Thailand approves same-sex marriage
Thailand has become the first country in the southeast Asianregion to legalise same-sex marriage.
Its Senate passed a marriage equality bill on Tuesday, June 18.
The Senate upper house gave a final approval — by 130 votes to four, with 18… pic.twitter.com/XOk3q8sS7a
— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) June 18, 2024
Human rights advocates, like Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn from Fortify Rights, emphasized the importance of the law for justice and human dignity. She urged the Thai government to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the law to protect the rights of the LGBTI+ community without discrimination.
As Thailand prepares for the official implementation of the marriage equality law, it stands as a testament to the country’s evolving social landscape and its commitment to embracing every individual’s rights and dignity.
Major Points
- Thailand’s Senate passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, positioning the country to be the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law.
- The legislation received overwhelming support in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and now awaits the King’s formal endorsement.
- The law amends the Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific terms with gender-neutral ones, ensuring legal equality for all marriage partners.
- Celebrations followed the Senate’s approval, with a significant event at the Government House featuring decorations and a parade to mark the occasion.
- The Thai government, led by the Pheu Thai party, continues to advocate for social rights and has aligned its efforts with broader initiatives like the Bangkok Pride parade.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
