Thailand Goes Ahead With Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

  • Landmark bill set to allow LGBTQ couples to enjoy equal rights
  • Thailand may become first in ASEAN to recognize same-sex union

A couple hold hands during a symbolic mass wedding for LGBTQ+ in Bangkok, on Feb. 14.

Photographer: Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images
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Thailand is pushing ahead with its plan to legalize same-sex marriage, with lawmakers set to approve changes that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to guarantee equal marital rights.

A committee set up by the House of Representatives on Thursday approved the draft amendment to the country’s Civil and Commercial Code, according to Akaranun Khankittinan, a deputy chairman of the panel. Lawmakers are expected to take up the amended bill on March 27 for the second and third readings, he said.