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# LGBTQ+ activists in Thailand celebrate after vote brings marriage equality closer
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-activists-in-thailand-celebrate-after-vote-brings-marriage-equality-closer/
- Published: 2024-04-03T12:55:39.000Z
- Updated: 2024-04-03T12:55:39.000Z
- Description: LGBTQ+ activists in Thailand celebrated another victory on Tuesday, April 2 after a marriage equality bill overwhelmingly passed a first reading in the upper house, a key step bringing the country closer to becoming Asia’s third territory to legalise same-sex unions. “It’s like we’ve been embraced a
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: LGBT, LGBTQ, Same Sex Marriage, Thailand

LGBTQ+ activists in **Thailand** celebrated another victory on **Tuesday, April 2** after a marriage equality bill overwhelmingly passed a first reading in the upper house, a key step bringing the country closer to becoming Asia’s third territory to legalise same-sex unions.

“It’s like we’ve been embraced and accepted by the people in the entire country,” said **Waaddao Chumaporn**, an LGBTQ+ activist and spokesperson for the parliamentary committee for the bill, calling it the “best gift of our lives”.

“It sends a signal to the Southeast Asian region, where the fundamentals are deeply rooted in conservative views.”

The bill sailed through the Senate’s first reading in a 147-4 vote, prior to second and third readings due in July. If approved, it will be sent to the royal palace for the king’s assent before it becomes law within 120 days.

Last month, 96% of the lower house passed the bill in a landmark move.

“We see that the needle has moved closer towards our goal,” said **Siritata Ninlapruek**, who waved a rainbow flag, exulting as the vote count was read.