LONG STRUGGLE
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community, and opinion polls reported in local media show overwhelming public support for equal marriage.
More than 30 countries around the world have legalised marriage for all since the Netherlands became the first to celebrate same-sex unions in 2001.
But in Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal recognise marriage equality. India came close in October, but the Supreme Court referred the decision back to parliament.
“I am so happy to see how far we have come,” said Chotika Hlengpeng, a participant in the Pride march that drew thousands of enthusiasts in Bangkok early in June.
Tuesday’s vote is the culmination of years of campaigning and thwarted attempts to pass equal marriage laws.
While the move enjoys popular support, much of Buddhist-majority Thailand still retains traditional and conservative values.
LGBTQ people, while highly visible, say they still face barriers and discrimination in everyday life.
Some activists have criticised the new laws for failing to recognise transgender and non-binary people, who will still not be allowed to change their gender on official identity documents.
