Thailand passes landmark marriage equality bill

Thailand's Senate passed the final reading of a marriage equality law on Tuesday (June 18), paving the way for it to become the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex couples. Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, said the bill's passage means "love triumphed over prejudice". Lesbian activist Matcha Phornin said she is happy that her family is now "protected by law".