National —
Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a historic same-sex marriage bill, officially making Thailand the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex unions.
The bill passed with a vote of 130 in favor, 4 against, and 18 abstentions from the upper house today, June 18th. After this, it will be transferred to the palace to receive the royal endorsement by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The new legislation, which amends the Civil and Commercial Code, will allow same-sex couples to register their marriages and have the same legal rights and protections as opposite-sex couples, such as inheritance, healthcare consent, and child adoption.
The law will come into force 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette.
