Thai King Signs Same-Sex Marriage Bill Into Law, Marking Historic Shift

Thailand’s king has signed a same-sex marriage bill into law, making the country the first in Southeast Asia to officially recognize same-sex unions.

The bill, which passed the Senate in June, received royal endorsement and will take effect on January 22, 2024.

The legislation is being hailed by activists as a major victory after years of campaigning for marriage equality. The new law uses gender-neutral terms and grants same-sex couples legal rights similar to heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance rights.

While the law has been celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates as a milestone for equality, it also raises questions for Thailand’s traditional, largely conservative society. Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation, has a reputation for tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community, but many in the country still adhere to traditional values and may see this law as a significant cultural shift.

Supporters of the bill, including former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, described the legislation as a “significant step” toward equity in Thai society. However, some conservatives remain cautious about the broader impact this may have on the country’s social fabric. Though public support for LGBTQ+ rights has grown in recent years, concerns about preserving traditional family structures and values remain prevalent.

With input from BBC, and Al Jazeera.