Thai parliamentarians gave their initial agreement on Thursday to a bill to legalise same-sex unions, paving the way for equal marriage rights in the kingdom.
The text, passed by 360 votes to 10, still has to go through several stages before becoming law. If it is adopted, Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise same-sex marriage.
The lower house of parliament voted to change references to "men", "women", "husbands" and "wives" in the Marriage Act to gender-neutral terms. This change would allow all Thais to marry without restriction of sex or gender, and confer adoption and inheritance rights.
"This law reflects the government's programme to strengthen human rights so that everyone has the right to start a family without any restrictions," Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin told lawmakers.
During the debate, some MPs decorated their seats and desks with rainbow flags.
The bill will now be referred to a committee for detailed examination before a second vote.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed the vote on X (formerly Twitter).
"We are finally on the road to bridging the gap to equal rights for all today!" he posted. "Congratulations to the LGBTQIA+ community for the passage of the Same-Sex Marriage Bill at its first reading. May love finally triumph."
