Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(114,791 posts)
Wed Mar 27, 2024, 08:44 PM Mar 2024

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage

BANGKOK (AP) — Lawmakers in Thailand’s lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender.

The bill passed its final reading with the approval of 400 of the 415 members of the House of Representatives in attendance, with 10 voting against it, two abstaining and three not voting.

Thailand has a reputation for acceptance and inclusivity but has struggled for decades to pass a marriage equality law. Thai society largely holds conservative values, and members of the LGBTQ+ community say they face discrimination in everyday life. The government and state agencies are also historically conservative, and advocates for gender equality have had a hard time pushing lawmakers and civil servants to accept change.

The bill now goes to the Senate, which rarely rejects any legislation that passes the lower house, and then to the king for royal endorsement. This would make Thailand the first country or region in Southeast Asia to pass such a law and the third in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal.

https://apnews.com/article/thailand-marriage-same-sex-equality-law-9a2f9da6b5b36a1cf70dee5caec70e23

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage (Original Post) Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Mar 2024 OP
I am surprised it has taken this long. When I lived in Thailand 20 years ago, I found a country Bev54 Mar 2024 #1

Bev54

(11,911 posts)
1. I am surprised it has taken this long. When I lived in Thailand 20 years ago, I found a country
Wed Mar 27, 2024, 09:55 PM
Mar 2024

that was very accepting of gay and lesbian as well as Trans people. I never saw any of them make fun of or treat them any differently than others. Operations for trans people were well known in Thailand and it was a destination for many from other countries. I always thought wow, they are so far ahead of North America in their acceptance.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Foreign Affairs»Lawmakers in Thailand ove...