Thailand is one of the most tolerant countries towards the LGBT community in Asia. Pride parade in Bangkok/Reuters
The lower house of Thailand's parliament approved a law for marriage equality today (Wednesday), in a significant step that brings it closer to becoming the third country in Asia to approve same-sex marriage.
The law goes to the approval of the Senate and the King before entering the statute book.
He won the support of all major parties in Thailand and was supported by 400 of the 415 lawmakers who participated in the vote.
Only ten MPs opposed.
"We did this for all the people of Thailand to reduce the disparities in society and start creating equality," said Danopuran Ponkanta, chairman of the committee that drafted the bill, to the lawmakers, ahead of the final reading vote. "I want to invite you all to make history."
The passing of the bill marks A significant step towards strengthening Thailand's position as one of the most liberal societies in Asia with regard to the gay community, enjoying openness and free access at the same time as maintaining traditional and conservative Buddhist values.
Thailand is already a center of attraction for same-sex couples, and has a vibrant LGBT social scene for locals and foreigners , and targeted campaigns to attract proud tourists.
The law will enter into force within 120 days of the king's approval.
After that, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal, the two other countries in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal.
The law was formulated for more than a decade, and it was delayed due to political crises and disagreements about its content.
In 2020, the Constitutional Court ruled that Thailand's current marriage law, which only recognizes heterosexual couples, was constitutional, and recommended that the legislation be expanded to ensure rights of other genders.
In December, the parliament approved four different bills on same-sex marriage in the first reading and tasked a committee to consolidate them into one proposal.
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