Thailand's parliament passed a bill that legalizes same-sex marriage, Nikkei Asia
reported. The Senate now has 60 days to approve the bill or seek amendments. It will then be reviewed by the Constitutional Court before being submitted for royal endorsement. The bill was passed with 400 votes in favor, while 10 opposed it.
The bill combined drafts by the Pheu Thai Party-led government, civil society and the main opposition Move Forward Party.
Prachachat, a party in the Pheu Thai-led coalition and whose electoral base is in the country's predominantly Muslim deep south, has asked for religious carveouts, such as exempting Muslim clerics and Christian priests from performing same-sex marriages.
No major opposition to the bill is expected in the Senate, which is thought to be looking for a legislative achievement before its term ends in May. But the legislation may face challenges once it reaches the Constitutional Court.