Thailand on Tuesday, became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, in a landmark parliamentary vote.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass the bill and the new legislation is now waiting for royal assent before it officially becomes law 120 days after publication in the official Royal Gazette.
Thailand will become only the third country in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal, after Taiwan and Nepal, and activists hope that the first weddings could be celebrated as early as October.
The law will give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexuals when it comes to adoption and inheritance.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been vocal in his support for the LGBTQ community and championed the bill, will open his official residence to activists and supporters for celebrations later.
Thailand has long been known for its tolerance of the LGBTQ community, with local media opinion polls showing strong public support for equal marriage.
Over 30 countries globally have legalized marriage for all since the Netherlands approved same-sex unions in 2001. In Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognise it, while India came close in October, but the Supreme Court said it was the Parliament’s decision to make.
Some activists have already begun criticising the new law for not accommodating transgender and non-binary people, who will still not be allowed to change their gender on official identity documents.
