JUST IN: Thailand Becomes 1st ASEAN Nation to Legalise Same Sex Marriage After Passing Landmark Bill

Thailand made history today after its Senate approved a landmark bill to allow same sex marriages in the Kingdom, making the country the 1st Southeast Asian nation to do so.

As reported by ABC, the bill was previously near-unanimously passed in the country’s House of Representatives in March, with the bill’s passing in the Senate virtually confirming its coming into power.

Thailand Senate overwhelming passes the same sex marriage bill

For illustration purposes

Like in Malaysia, Thailand requires any bills to be endorsed by the King before officially coming into power. As a formality, the law will come into effect 120 days after it is published in a royal gazette.

As reported by CNN, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of the bill, with 130 Senators voting in favour and only 4 members opposing the bill.

“A monumental step forward for LGBTQ+ in Thailand”

The move is seen as a “monumental step forward for LGBTQ+ rights” in Thailand as it would impact the lives of countless couples in the country, with the new law lauded to contribute to a more equitable society.

With the passing of the bill, Thailand became the 1st Southeast Asian nation to legalise same sex marriages and only the 3rd Asian country to do so after Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal last year.

So, what do you guys think of Thailand’s historic move to legalise same sex marriages? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: M’sians Want to Boycott Tourism to Thailand Over Approval of Same-Sex Marriage Bill