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Thailand’s parliament made a historic move on Wednesday by overwhelmingly approving a marriage equality bill, marking a significant step towards legalizing same-sex unions in one of Asia’s most progressive nations. The bill, which received backing from all major political parties, has been in the making for over a decade and signifies a major shift towards equality and inclusivity.

While the bill still requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the king before becoming law, its passage by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers is a promising sign of progress. If enacted, Thailand would join the ranks of Taiwan and Nepal as the third territory in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

Danuphorn Punnakanta, chairman of the parliamentary committee on the draft bill, emphasized the importance of the legislation in reducing societal disparity and promoting equality for all Thai citizens. He urged fellow lawmakers to seize the opportunity to make history and usher in a new era of inclusivity.

The bill’s approval reflects Thailand’s reputation as a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community, with a vibrant social scene and targeted initiatives to attract LGBTQ+ travelers. However, activists have long argued that the country’s laws and institutions lag behind societal attitudes and continue to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals.

While the legislation represents a significant milestone by recognizing marriage between two people regardless of gender, some unresolved issues remain. LGBT advocates have called for amendments to ensure gender-neutral language in references to the family unit, citing potential complications in areas such as adoption.

Nada Chaiyajit, an LGBT advocate and law lecturer, welcomed the passage of the bill as a step forward but noted that it falls short of full marriage equality. While the right to marriage has been granted, concerns persist regarding the full recognition of same-sex couples’ rights to family establishment.

Despite these challenges, the approval of the marriage equality bill signals a positive shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity in Thai society, reflecting evolving attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights. As Thailand moves closer to legalizing same-sex unions, it sets a precedent for other nations in the region to follow suit and embrace equality for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.