Thailand's parliament approves same-sex marriage bill
Thailand's House of Representatives passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, paving the way for the kingdom to become the first Southeast Asian nation to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
Thailand's parliament approves same-sex marriage bill
Culture and Innovation

Thailand's parliament approves same-sex marriage bill

Photo: AFP/Lillian Suwanrumpha
Eurasia 02/04/2024 17:20

Thailand's House of Representatives passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, paving the way for the kingdom to become the first Southeast Asian nation to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

Thailand's parliament passed a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage, Nikkei Asia reported. The Senate now has 60 days to approve the bill or seek amendments. It will then be reviewed by the Constitutional Court before being submitted for royal endorsement. The bill was passed with 400 votes in favor, while 10 opposed it. 

The bill combined drafts by the Pheu Thai Party-led government, civil society and the main opposition Move Forward Party. 

Prachachat, a party in the Pheu Thai-led coalition and whose electoral base is in the country's predominantly Muslim deep south, has asked for religious carveouts, such as exempting Muslim clerics and Christian priests from performing same-sex marriages.

No major opposition to the bill is expected in the Senate, which is thought to be looking for a legislative achievement before its term ends in May. But the legislation may face challenges once it reaches the Constitutional Court.
#Thailand
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