The bill, the culmination of more than two decades of effort by
activists, was supported by an overwhelming majority of
lawmakers in the upper house.
The law, which needs royal approval, will come into force 120
days after it is published in the royal gazette, meaning the
first same sex weddings could take place later this year.
"Today we celebrate another significant milestone in the journey
of our Equal Marriage Bill," Thai Prime Minister Srettha
Thavisin said in a post on X.
"We will continue our fight for social rights for all people
regardless of their status."
LGBT advocates called the move a "monumental step forward," as
Thailand would be the first nation in Southeast Asia to enact
marriage equality legislation and the third in Asia, after Nepal
and Taiwan.
"We are very proud to make history," said Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd,
member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage.
"Today love triumphed prejudice ... after fighting for more than
20 years, today we can say that this country has marriage
equality."
Lawmakers and activists were seen celebrating in Thailand's
parliament, waving rainbow flags and smiling, with some raising
their fists in solidarity with the LGBT community.
In Thailand's northern Chiang Mai province, human rights
activist Matcha Phornin, her wife Veerawan Wanna and their
adopted daughter were glued to their television screen as they
watched the senate proceedings.
"We have support from the parliament, from the senators who
passed this law. That means we are protected by law," said
Matcha, after they cheered and hugged each other when the bill
passed.
"And she will be legally adopted after this," Matcha said,
referring to their daughter.
Thailand, one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations, is
already known for its vibrant LGBT culture and tolerance.
At the start of June, thousands of revelers and activists
paraded through the streets of Bangkok and were joined by Prime
Minister Srettha, who wore a rainbow shirt to celebrate Pride
Month.
"This would underscore Thailand's leadership in the region in
promoting human rights and gender equality," the Civil Society
Commission of marriage equality, activists and LGBTQI couples
said in a statement.
(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, Panarat Thepgumpanat,
Chalinee Thirasupa, Artorn Pooksasook, Thomas Suen and Zaw Naing
Oo; Editing by John Mair, Bernadette Baum and Christina Fincher)
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