Thailand's prime minister gave the green light on Tuesday for a same-sex marriage bill to be considered in parliament. This is an important step for the LGBTQ community, which, while clearly visible, still faces discrimination in the conservative kingdom.
Thailand could become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage and the third in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal.
“This law will allow people to get married and have the same rights and responsibilities as couples consisting of a man and a woman,” Srettha Thavisin told the press after the cabinet meeting.
“I would like to congratulate all the people” who worked towards this result, the Thai prime minister added.
Consideration of the text by MPs is due to begin on Thursday, and a number of hurdles still need to be overcome before the new law comes into force.
The text under discussion will change references to “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives” in the marriage law and replace them with gender-neutral terms, said Karom Pornpolklang, the government's deputy spokesman.
Thailand is known for its tolerance, but much of the Buddhist-majority country remains conservative and the LGBTQ community, while highly visible, still faces challenges and discrimination.
In June 2022, Thailand celebrated its first Pride march in almost 16 years, with thousands of activists flocking to the streets of the capital, notably to demand the introduction of same-sex marriage.
That same year, Thai MPs agreed to consider two bills approving same-sex marriages and two more approving civil unions.
However, the process was interrupted when the then government dissolved parliament last May to pave the way for general elections.