Thailand took a historic step by legalizing gay marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia and the third country in Asia to grant marriage equality rights to the LGBTQ+ community. Following the decision, the LGBTQ+ community celebrated across the country, including Bangkok, on Thursday, with many same-sex couples taking part in mass wedding ceremonies.
Big victory for LGBTQ+ community
This law is the result of years of struggle by the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, the Parliament of Thailand passed the Marriage Equality Act, which has now been implemented. Under this law, gay couples have got financial, legal and medical rights. Now they will be able to adopt a child and get joint rights in properties.
Additionally, the words “husband” and “wife” in the law have been changed to “individual” and “marriage partner” to ensure complete equality in marriage rights.
Welcoming community and leaders
LGBTQ+ rights activists described the move as historic and called it an inspirational model for the world. Thai Prime Minister Patongtarn Shinawatra described it as a symbol of Thai society’s progress towards gender diversity and equality.
A gay couple said, “This is the happiest day of our lives. “We now legally have the right to be called a family.”
Thailand has become the third country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal. Globally, gay marriage is legal in 31 countries, including the US, Germany and France. At the same time, in many countries like Iran, Yemen and Nigeria, homosexual relations are banned and there is a provision for harsh punishment, even death penalty.
