The approval by the Thai Parliament this Wednesday of a same-sex marriage law marks a new advancement for LGBT rights in Asia, where only two other countries have legalized same-sex unions. Thailand, home to one of the largest and most visible LGBT communities on the continent, positions itself as the only nation in Southeast Asia to recognize this right, amidst setbacks in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Thailand: Which Asian Countries Recognize Same-Sex Marriage?
Taiwan led the way in Asia in 2019, followed by Nepal last year, while Japan and India witnessed intense debate and progress both in courts and in the political sphere. Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage on May 24, 2019, following a constitutional court ruling two years prior deeming the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Over 10,000 same-sex couples have since married in Taiwan, with the legalization leading to new rights such as adoption for non-biologically related children.
China, however, while legally accepting homosexuality since 1997, still denies adoption and same-sex marriage rights to the LGBT community. Nepal became the first country in South Asia to legalize homosexuality, recognizing the first homosexual union on November 19 last year and registering its first same-sex female marriage on February 14, 2024, emerging as the most progressive country for LGBT rights in South Asia despite deeply conservative societies.
Although India decriminalized homosexuality in 2018, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. The Supreme Court deemed a section of the colonial-era penal code unconstitutional but deferred the issue of same-sex marriage legality to the central government, which has consistently opposed it.
A Historic Struggle in Asia
The LGBT community in Japan seeks amendments to existing laws, as Japan remains the only G7 member not recognizing same-sex marriage. While courts and local authorities have taken steps toward granting rights to same-sex couples, the conservative ruling party remains resistant to legalization despite majority social support and recognition of same-sex unions by local governments.
Overall, LGBT rights progress in Asia marks a historic struggle, with ongoing legal battles and societal shifts challenging traditional norms and prejudices across the continent.
This story was written in Spanish by Miguel Fernandez in Cultura Colectiva News.