Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize marriage equality

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve a marriage equality bill, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. The bill passed its final reading on Tuesday with the approval of 130 of the 152 members of the Senate in attendance, with 4 voting against it and 18 abstaining. The bill now needs the pro forma endorsement of the king. Thailand will become the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage. The marriage equality bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through the House of Representatives before the previous parliamentary session concluded in April.