The Senate in Thailand approved the same-sex marriage bill on Tuesday, July 18, 2024, paving the way for legalizing gay marriage in the country.
The bill, previously endorsed by the lower House in March with overwhelming support, garnered further approval in the Senate by 130 votes, with only four members in opposition and 18 abstentions.
“This landmark decision places Thailand on the map as the third Asian country and the 38th globally to embrace same-sex marriage,” stated a Senate representative. The bill is now set to be presented to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for final approval, a step widely anticipated to receive royal assent and be published in the Royal Gazette.
The journey towards this legislation has been characterized by years of advocacy and challenges, as highlighted by the Senate’s recent vote. Despite facing opposition from conservative factions within the country, significant portions of Thai society have rallied behind the concept of ‘equal marriage’ for all individuals.
The approval of same-sex marriage in Thailand aligns with a global trend towards greater inclusivity, with at least 37 countries worldwide having already legalized marriage equality since the Netherlands led the way in 2001. While this development reflects progress, it also underscores the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ communities in many parts of the world, including Thailand, where traditional values and discrimination persist.
