'Monumental step': Thai king signs same-sex marriage into law, a first in Southeast Asia

NEWS WIRES

24 September 2024 at 10:53 am·1-min read

Thailand on Tuesday became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex union after King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed a historic marriage equality law. Thai activists have been pushing for same-sex marriage rights for more than a decade, with their advocacy often stalled by political upheaval. Currently, only two other countries in Asia recognise same-sex marriage: Taiwan and Nepal.

The Thai king has signed same-sex marriage into law, the official Royal Gazette said Tuesday, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise marriage equality.

King Maha Vajiralongkorn gave royal assent to the new law, passed by parliament in June, which will take effect in 120 days -- meaning the first weddings are expected to take place in January.

Activists hailed a "monumental step" as Thailand becomes only the third place in Asia where same-sex couples can tie the knot, after Taiwan and Nepal.

The law on marriage now uses gender-neutral terms in place of "men", "women", "husbands" and "wives", and also grants adoption and inheritance rights to same-sex couples.

The king's formal approval marks the culmination of years of campaigning and thwarted attempts to pass equal marriage laws.

(AFP)

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