Hundreds of LGBTQ couples in Thailand have tied the knot after the country became the first in southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.
More than 300 couples registered their marriages at a mass LGBTQ wedding at a shopping mall in Bangkok, after the Marriage Equality Act came into effect on Thursday.
Thailand is the third country in Asia to allow equal marriage, after Taiwan and Nepal.
“This law doesn’t only equate life. It is life! At long last, Thailand’s society accepts the legality of all marriages in our land, regardless of sexual orientation,” former government minister Jakrapob Penkair said.
Penkair married their partner Supraipon Chuaychoo, a 44-year-old tourism business owner.
They said: “With that one sentence, lost or wasted lives have been rescued. Spirits restored. The whole country is better off.”
Prorawin Battemdee, a 40-year-old public relations officer, stressed that the act would “bring about a multitude of positive outcomes”.
“The marriage equality law will bring about a multitude of positive outcomes, especially by providing greater security and legal assurances for our relationships, including better access to health care and other protections,” they said.
“I’m truly happy this day has finally become a reality.”
The marriage equality bill was written into law on September 24, following an endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The bill amended a law which replaced the words “man and woman” and “husband and wife” with “individuals” and “marriage partners”. It is aimed to grant full legal, financial and medical rights to LGBTQ+ couples.
Thailand is known for its acceptance and inclusivity, but activists have long fought for marriage equality.
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