World News for Students of English

24-06-2024 07:00

Thailand is set to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage after Senators passed a marriage equality bill by a vote of 130 to 4.

The bill still needs the King’s approval before becoming law. This decision has been celebrated by LGBTQ campaigners and the community, many of whom gathered at Parliament to welcome the vote. The bill will allow same-sex couples to marry, adopt children, inherit property, and make health-related decisions. It also changes traditional terms like husband and wife to gender-neutral terms, although father and mother remain.

Thailand has always been known for its LGBTQ-friendly environment, with significant public support for marriage equality. This landmark decision sets Thailand apart as the first in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, offering hope that other countries might follow suit.

Difficult words: inherit (to receive money or property after the death of the previous holder), landmark (famous or important in the history of something), follow suit (to do the same thing as someone else).

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