Thailand passes bill recognizing same-sex marriage, first in Southeast Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday, June 18, paving the way for it to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex couples.

The bill comes after more than two decades of effort from activists and politicians, after previous drafts did not reach parliament.

With the support of nearly all lawmakers in the upper house, the law next needs royal approval. It will come into force 120 days after it is published in the royal gazette.