Olivia
January 23, Thailand: Thailand is widely seen by foreigners as one of the more open places in the world for LGBTQIA+ people, but it took more than a decade of campaigning to legalize same-sex marriage. Many citizens of this traditional, predominantly Buddhist country remain very stereotypical mainly in the older generations.
The Thai law, passed by Parliament and endorsed by the Thai king last year, has been in circulation for over a decade of advocacy by the LGBTQ+ community. Thailand has made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, with hundreds of couples indulging in mass weddings on Thursday. The legislation marks an unexpected moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the region, granting same-sex couples the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples, including adoption and inheritance.
“This marriage equality law marks the beginning of Thai society’s greater awareness of gender diversity,” said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a video message during a mass wedding event in Bangkok. “It affirms that everyone is entitled to equal rights and dignity.” the Prime Minister posted a picture on Instagram.
In Bangkok, over 200 couples gathered at the Siam Paragon Mall to celebrate the historic occasion. A vibrant rainbow carpet welcomed couples of all ages and backgrounds, including a police officer who arrived in uniform with his partner. The couples walked hand-in-hand under a shower of confetti as traditional Thai music filled the air.
This event was Organized by Bangkok Pride and local authorities, the event also featured dazzling performances by drag queens and celebrities, set against a colorful confetti backdrop of rainbow decorations. Similar celebrations took place in other cities, including Pattaya and Chiang Mai, demonstrating widespread support for the law across the country.
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Kathy
Stacy
