Thailand's Groundbreaking Move: Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Thailand's lower house of parliament has approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first in Southeast Asia. The bill, which changes the legal definition of marriage from "a man and a woman" to "two persons,"

Thailand's lower house of parliament has approved a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage, putting the country on track to become the first in Southeast Asia to allow such unions. The marriage equality bill passed with overwhelming support - 475 votes in favor, 185 against, and 6 abstentions. The bill will now go to the Senate for approval before being sent to the King for Royal endorsement and publication in the Royal Gazette.

Key Provisions

Couples of the same gender, aged 18 and over, will be able to get married legally once the bill becomes law.
Same-sex couples will have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption rights and inheritance rights.
The bill changes the legal definition of marriage from being between "a man and a woman" to being between "two persons."

Significance

Thailand will become only the second place in Asia, after Taiwan, to legally recognize same-sex marriage if the bill clears the remaining hurdles.
The move is hailed as a major milestone for LGBTQ rights by activists who have campaigned for decades.
Thailand has a prominent LGBTQ culture and is viewed as relatively accepting, but discrimination persists.

Economic Impact

Legalizing same-sex marriage could provide a $1.7 billion annual boost to Thailand's economy from LGBTQ tourism and wedding ceremonies.
Before Covid, Thailand welcomed around 35 million tourists per year, with around 5% identifying as LGBTQ.
The Thai tourism authority has actively courted LGBTQ travelers for over two decades.

Religious Perspectives

Thailand's Buddhist leaders have mixed views, with some supporting equal rights while others oppose same-sex unions on religious grounds.
The influential Buddhist group Dhammakaya has opposed the legislation, arguing it goes against "the Buddha's teachings."
However, several high-profile monks have voiced support, seeing no religious conflict with same-sex marriages.

Regional Context

Most Asian nations still outlaw same-sex relations, with punishments ranging from fines to whipping or death.
Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first in Asia.
Nepal has also legalized same-sex marriage while India's Supreme Court decriminalized gay sex in 2018.

Source: - BBC, Reuter, Bloomberg, Thai PBS, Human Rights Watch

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