Thailand approves same-sex marriage in landmark law – TrendyNewsReporters

Thailand approves same-sex marriage in landmark law

Thailand has become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, in a historic parliamentary vote. The upper house of the Senate approved with 130 votes in favor, 4 against and 18 abstentions the changes to the marriage law that allows same-sex couples to marry. The new legislation will now go to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent and will come into force 120 days after publication in the Official Royal Gazette. Thailand will become only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples can marry, after Taiwan and Nepal, and campaigners hope the first weddings can take place as early as October. “We are very proud of everyone involved in this historic moment. You have helped bring about enormous change,” Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and member of the committee that examined the law, told senators after the vote. “Today, love wins over prejudice.” a lawmaker from the progressive Move Forward party, said the law change was “a victory for the people”. The new legislation changes references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in marriage laws to gender-neutral terms. It also gives same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples regarding adoption and inheritance. My partner has a son and I want to have the legal right to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say in his well-being. This bill will allow that,” Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, told AFP. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has spoken out in support of the LGBTQ community and the bill, announced that he would open his official residence to activists and supporters for the celebrations. later. More than 30 countries around the world have legalized marriage for all since the Netherlands became the first to celebrate same-sex unions in 2001. But in Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognize marriage equality