Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Southeast Asian country poised to become first to allow same-sex marriages after law receives royal assent

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The king of Thailand has given approval to the marriage equality bill passed by parliament earlier this year, making it the third Asian territory to formally legalise same-sex unions. Bangkok deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said last week that city officials will be ready to register same-sex marriages once the law takes effect. The new law amends Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gender-specific terms like “men and women” with gender-neutral terms like “individual”. We’ve been fighting for our rights for over 10 years, and now it’s finally happening.” Thai king Maha Vajiralongkorn has given approval to the new same-sex marriage law according to the Royal Gazette announced on 24 September 2024 Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin described the new piece of legislation as a “significant step” for Thailand.

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History of this topic

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, allows couples to wed starting in January
2 months, 4 weeks ago

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage, allows couples to wed starting in January

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill was officially written into law Tuesday, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed. This means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year, making Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage. Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said last week that the city …

‘Pink baht’: Thailand’s businesses chase same-sex marriage bonanza
5 months, 2 weeks ago

‘Pink baht’: Thailand’s businesses chase same-sex marriage bonanza

Al Jazeera  

Wedding planners, hotels, malls and mortgage brokers are hoping to cash in on the legalisation of same-sex unions. As Thailand prepares to legalise LGBTQ marriages, Dujruedee is looking forward to officiating legally recognised ceremonies for the first time – and cashing in on the “pink baht”. “The government is ready to support Pride Festival … to boost the nation’s economy …

A US officiant marries 10 same-sex couples in Hong Kong via video chat
5 months, 3 weeks ago

A US officiant marries 10 same-sex couples in Hong Kong via video chat

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — Ten same-sex couples got married in the United States over the internet from Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city that does not formally recognize such unions but offers them legal protections. It’s between two people who love each other,” said Lucas Peng, a 66-year-old Singaporean businessperson living in Hong Kong, and one of the 20 people …

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change
5 months, 4 weeks ago

Anita Anand | Some lessons from Thailand’s same-sex marriage law: Social attitudes can change

Deccan Chronicle  

On June 18, Thailand made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality law, recognising same-sex couples. According to a 2015 opinion poll, 89 per cent of Thais said they would accept a colleague who is gay or lesbian, 80 per cent would not mind if a family member was LGBT, and 59 per cent …

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand becomes first southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thailand has become the first …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages
6 months ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of …

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand becomes first Southeast Asian country to allow same-sex marriage

Al Jazeera  

Thailand’s Senate has passed the marriage equality bill, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage. “Thailand has taken a historic step towards becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage for LGBTQI couples,” Amnesty International’s Thailand researcher Chanatip Tatiyakaroonwong said in a statement. “We are very proud to …

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage
6 months ago

Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage

LA Times  

Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of Representatives right …

After a quarter century, Thailand’s LGBTQ Pride Parade is seen as a popular and political success
6 months, 3 weeks ago

After a quarter century, Thailand’s LGBTQ Pride Parade is seen as a popular and political success

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Thailand kicked off its celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month with a parade Saturday, as the country is on course to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality. Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, who has been organizing Bangkok Pride since 2022, said in a recent interview with The Associated Press that she hopes the parade …

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Fears of discrimination in Thailand despite looming same sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

The bill is likely to become law soon, but activists and those from the LGBTQ community say more work needs to be done. Bangkok, Thailand – Thanadech Jandee is thrilled that Thailand’s marriage equality bill, allowing same-sex couples to marry, is moving closer to becoming law. “It’s a cause for celebration,” Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn, a Thailand human rights associate at Fortify …

Thailand Takes Steps to End Ban on Surrogacy Services for Foreign, Same-Sex Couples
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand Takes Steps to End Ban on Surrogacy Services for Foreign, Same-Sex Couples

Live Mint  

-- Thailand plans to end a near-decade old ban on foreigners availing commercial surrogacy services to boost medical tourism, and may allow gay and lesbian couples to have access to the services once the country legalizes same-sex marriages later this year. This will support medical tourism, generating more income for the country.” The move to reintroduce commercial surrogacy is aligned …

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thailand all set to legalise same-sex marriage, passes ’equality’ bill

Live Mint  

Thailand’s lawmakers passed a legislation to recognize same-sex marriage, paving the way for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to guarantee marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. “We seek to return to them the rights that they have lost.” The landmark legislation seeks to formally change the composition of a marriage from “a man and a …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalise equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and …

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by an overwhelming majority

Deccan Chronicle  

Bangkok, Mar 27 Lawmakers in Thailand's lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill passed its final reading with the approval of 400 of the 415 members of the House of Representatives who were …

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Lawmakers in Thailand overwhelmingly approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Lawmakers in Thailand’s lower house of Parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill on Wednesday that would make the country the first in Southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill amends the Civil and Commercial Code to change the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage …

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Thai parliament passes same-sex marriage bill

Al Jazeera  

Pending final approval, bill will cement Thai credentials among Asia’s most liberal societies on LGBTQ issues. Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognise equal marriage after politicians passed a same-sex marriage bill. “We did this for all Thai people to reduce disparity in society and start creating equality.” The legislation would change references to “men”, …

‘Mock marriages’ give hope to LGBTQ community in Thailand ahead of equality Bill
10 months, 1 week ago

‘Mock marriages’ give hope to LGBTQ community in Thailand ahead of equality Bill

The Hindu  

Dozens of same-sex couples were joined in the bonds of mock matrimony in ceremonies across Thailand’s sprawling capital on Wednesday, in a dress rehearsal for official unions expected later this year if a change in the law goes ahead. ‘No boundaries’ The events coincided with Valentine’s Day, with one held at a ritzy shopping mall decked out in pink and …

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage
11 months ago

Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage

The Diplomat  

On November 29, Nepal registered its first same-sex marriage between Ram Bahadur Gurung and Surendra Pandey. The registration occurred in Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung district after the Supreme Court issued an interim order to register same-sex marriages and keep temporary marriage records. In 2007, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to recognize a third gender category, audit all laws …

Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community hopeful as marriage equality bill is set to be discussed in Parliament
1 year ago

Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community hopeful as marriage equality bill is set to be discussed in Parliament

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Naphat Krutthai and Rasithaya Jindasri have been in a committed relationship for eight years, but only now can they consider getting married. The bill seeks to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, changing the words “men and women” and “husband and wife” to “individuals” and “marriage partners.” Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters Tuesday after the Cabinet meeting …

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law
1 year ago

LGBTQ advocates cheer Thailand’s latest drive for same-sex marriage law

Al Jazeera  

If passed by parliament, Thailand would be first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and only the second in Asia, after Taiwan. Last week the cabinet of the Thai government endorsed a bill that would amend the country’s Civil and Commercial Code to define marriage as between any two “individuals”. “It’s just only to give the liberty and …

New Supreme Court order puts Nepal one step closer to marriage equality
1 year, 5 months ago

New Supreme Court order puts Nepal one step closer to marriage equality

The Hindu  

After being in a relationship for eight years, Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey got married four years ago. “This has been a long battle and the recent order comes as a small victory for us,” said Pinky Gurung, president of Blue Diamond Society, a non-government organisation working for LGBTQI rights in Nepal. “But the battle is not over yet, as …

Same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ rights activists in Nepal celebrate interim court ruling
1 year, 5 months ago

Same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ rights activists in Nepal celebrate interim court ruling

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples
1 year, 7 months ago

Taiwan expands adoption rights for same-sex couples

Hindustan Times  

Taiwan's parliament passed an amendment on Tuesday allowing gay couples to jointly adopt children, a move hailed by activists as "another big step forward" for marriage equality. While individuals in Taiwan were allowed to adopt regardless of sexual orientation, those in same-sex marriages could not both be legal parents unless the child was one partner's biological offspring. "After four years …

SC refers petitions on same-sex marriage to Constitution bench
1 year, 9 months ago

SC refers petitions on same-sex marriage to Constitution bench

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi The Supreme Court on Monday decided that a batch of petitions demanding legal validation for same-sex marriages will be decided by a Constitution bench even as the Union government, while opposing the plea, said that the apex court now carries the “grave responsibility” of determining how society will be shaped in future. A three-judge bench, led by Chief …

Same Sex marriage in India: Will SC approve law despite govt’s opposition?
1 year, 9 months ago

Same Sex marriage in India: Will SC approve law despite govt’s opposition?

Live Mint  

The Supreme Court of India is slated to hear on the legalising same-sex marriage in India on 13 March, Monday. Narendra Modi led govt stance on Saem Sex Marriage The Centre in a filing to the Supreme Court on Sunday stuck to its earlier stand that same-sex marriage is not compatible with the concept of an "Indian family unit", which …

Glimmer of hope: On rights of same-sex couples
1 year, 11 months ago

Glimmer of hope: On rights of same-sex couples

The Hindu  

In a welcome move, the Supreme Court has transferred to itself petitions pending in several High Courts seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Petitioners are looking for an authoritative ruling legalising same-sex marriage, especially on the question of whether it will be brought within the ambit of the Special Marriage Act of 1954, which allows a civil marriage for couples …

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?
2 years, 2 months ago

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: Where is it legal?

Hindustan Times  

Cubans have voted overwhelmingly to legalise same-sex marriage, making the country the 33rd to stop defining marriage as being exclusively between a man and a woman. Here is a global overview of same-sex marriage and surrogacy: - Europe, gay marriage pioneers - The Netherlands in 2001 became the first country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry. But …

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law
2 years, 4 months ago

'Right thing to do now': Singapore to decriminalise gay sex, protect marriage law

Firstpost  

“Private sexual behavior between consenting adults does not raise any law and order issue. Kuala Lumpur: Singapore will decriminalise sex between men by repealing a colonial-era law but will amend the constitution to ensure same-sex marriage is not allowed, the city-state’s leader said Sunday. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he believed repealing the law is the “right thing to …

‘Hope has a place’: Thailand moves forward on civil unions
2 years, 5 months ago

‘Hope has a place’: Thailand moves forward on civil unions

Al Jazeera  

Country looks set to be first in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex partnerships, but gay marriage is also on table. “I want to see something change in my generation.” Thailand is poised to become the first Southeast Asian nation to grant some form of legal recognition to same-sex partnerships, although it is not yet clear whether this will be in …

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?
3 years, 8 months ago

Two decades since the world's first legal same-sex marriages, where do we stand now?

Firstpost  

By David Crary and Mike Corder Twenty years ago, just after the stroke of midnight on 1 April, the mayor of Amsterdam married four couples in City Hall as the Netherlands became the first country in the world with legalised same-sex marriages. The pairs were among four couples to get married under a new law which took effect April 1, …

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