Thailand’s Senate has given final approval to a bill legalising same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favor with 130 senators supporting the bill, four opposing it, and 18 abstaining.
The legislation will now go to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal assent, after which it will be published in the Royal Gazette and come into effect 120 days later.
The new law replaces gender-specific terms in marriage laws with gender-neutral language, allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same rights and benefits as heteros3xual couples.
This includes adoption and inheritance rights, which were previously only available to heterosexual couples.
Thailand has a reputation for being a welcoming and accepting country for the LGBTQ community, and this move has been widely praised by activists and advocates.
Opinion polls have shown strong public support for same-s3x marriage, and many Thai people have been waiting eagerly for the law to change.
The passage of the bill is a significant milestone for Thailand and for the LGBTQ community in Asia.
It follows similar moves in Taiwan and Nepal, and adds to the growing momentum for marriage equality around the world.
Celebrations are planned in Bangkok and other cities, and many same-sex couples are already making plans to tie the knot once the law comes into effect.
