On Tuesday, Thailand’s historic marriage equality measure was formally signed into law, granting legal marriage to same-sex couples.
After receiving King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s approval, the bill was published in the Royal Gazette and would take effect in 120 days. As a result, beginning in January of next year, LGBTQ+ couples will be permitted to register their marriage, placing Thailand as the third country in Asia to permit same-sex unions, behind Taiwan and Nepal.
The bill passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate in April and June, respectively, and gives married couples of any gender full legal, financial, and medical rights.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X, “Congratulations to everyone’s love,” and included the hashtag #Love Wins.
Despite having a reputation for inclusiveness and acceptance, Thailand took decades to pass legislation recognizing marital equality. The majority of Thai society is conservative, and LGBTQ+ people claim they encounter persecution on a daily basis.
Historically conservative state institutions and the government have made it difficult for supporters of gender equality to persuade legislators and public employees to embrace change.
Last week, Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon stated that as soon as the law is passed, local authorities will be prepared to register same-sex unions.
The country’s Civil and Commercial Code was altered by the legislation to substitute gender-neutral terms like “individual” with gender-specific terms like “men and women.”
One of the primary objectives of the Pheu Thai party-led administration is marriage equality. It made a big effort to stand out by participating in the June Pride march, which draws thousands of spectators to one of Bangkok’s biggest business areas.
On Facebook, Bangkok Pride’s organizers declared that they will provide a wedding for anyone who wants to legally register their union on the day the law goes into force.
(AP)
