- The LGBTQ community in Thailand has long called for the legalization of same-sex marriage.
- Lawmakers were able to pass four bills drafted by the government, civic groups and the opposition.
- Srettha Thavisin noted that if the bill becomes law, both men and women of the same sex will have the right to marry.
Thailand’s parliament is close to passing legislation to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Lawmakers debated in the lower house on Thursday. They were able to pass four bills drafted by the government, civic groups and the opposition.
“Husband and Wife” to “Marriage Partners”
The purpose of the bills is to change the wording in the code from “husband and wife” to “married partners”.
The drafts are expected to be merged. That single bill, if passed, would formally become law.
The Prime Minister of the country has welcomed the move. Srettha Thavisin said that the first step towards change has begun.
He noted that if the bill becomes law, both men and women of the same sex will have the right to marry.
The LGBTQ community in Thailand has long called for the legalization of same-sex marriage.
But previous attempts to pass marriage equality bills have failed in Parliament.
This time the ruling Pheu Thai Party and the opposition Move Forward Party support rights for same-sex couples.
