Thailand First Southeast Nation To Legalise Same-Sex Marriage: "Love Wins Over Prejudice"

Summary

In a historic move, Thailand's Senate has passed a marriage equality bill, making Thailand the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The legislation, which grants equal legal, financial, and medical rights to all marriage partners regardless of gender, follows Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian country to recognize such unions. The bill awaits royal endorsement and will become effective 120 days after its publication in the government Gazette, amending the civil and commercial code to use gender-neutral terms.

Takeaways

• 🏳️‍🌈 Thailand has legalized same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.
• 🌏 Thailand joins Taiwan and Nepal as the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.
• 🗳️ The marriage equality Bill passed its final reading in the Senate with 130 out of 152 members voting in favor.
• 🏛️ Despite historically conservative values held by the government and state agencies, the legislation was approved.
• 💍 The marriage equality Bill grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to marriage partners of any gender.
• 🤝 The law will need endorsement from the king before it can be enacted.
• 📅 The law is expected to come into effect within 120 days of its publication in the government Gazette.
• 📚 The legislation will amend Thailand's civil and commercial code, replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral terms.
• 🎉 The Thai government congratulates the LGBTQ+ community and all voices that have pushed for this legislation.
• 🌐 India's top court declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, leaving the decision to Parliament.

Q & A

What significant legislation has the Senate of Thailand passed?

The Senate of Thailand has passed a historic marriage equality Bill, which is a monumental step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

What does this legislation mean for Thailand in the context of Southeast Asia?

This legislation makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.

Which other Asian countries have legalized same-sex marriage before Thailand?

Taiwan and Nepal are the two other Asian countries that have legalized same-sex marriage before Thailand.

How did India's top court respond to the issue of legal recognition for same-sex marriages?

India's top court declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, stating that it should be decided by the Parliament.

What was the outcome of the vote in the Thai Senate for the marriage equality act?

130 out of 152 Thai Senate members in attendance voted in favor of the marriage equality act.

What does the marriage equality Bill provide for marriage partners of any gender?

The marriage equality Bill grants full legal, financial, and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender.

What is the next step for the marriage equality Bill after its approval by the Senate?

The Bill needs endorsement from the King before it can become a reality.

How long does it take for the law to come into effect after its publication in the government Gazette?

The law will come into effect within 120 days of its publication in the government Gazette.

What will the legislation amend in Thailand's legal framework?

The legislation will amend the country's civil and commercial code.

How does the legislation address gender-specific labels in the legal framework?

The legislation will alter gender-specific labels such as 'men' and 'women' with gender-neutral terms like 'individual'.

What does the speaker from NDTV suggest about the significance of this legislation for Thailand?

The speaker suggests that the legislation is a significant milestone for Thailand, making it the third country in Asia and the first in Southeast Asia to allow individuals to marry without gender-specific references.