Thailand's lower house of parliament has approved a marriage equality bill, making the country the first in southeast Asia to legalize equal rights for marriage partners of any gender. The bill must now be approved by the senate and endorsed by the Thai king before becoming law. If successful, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as the only countries in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The legislation has been in discussion for over a decade, and while there is cause for celebration, some are urging for the elimination of gendered language in the current draft to ensure all rights extend to LGBTI+ persons.
First Lady Jill Biden's keynote speech at the Human Rights Campaign Gala in Los Angeles was disrupted by protestors advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, with some shouting "Free Palestine" and holding signs. Security removed the protestors, and Biden resumed her speech. The event, a fundraiser for LGBTQ advocacy, also saw earlier protests outside the hotel. The HRC has faced similar disruptions in the past, and its president has issued a statement addressing the ongoing violence in the Middle East.
Same-sex couples in Poland, such as Ola and Karolina, are hopeful for legal recognition of civil unions under the new liberal government, after facing years of discrimination and legal obstacles. The previous government's hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community led to the declaration of "LGBT-free zones" in dozens of cities. Activist Bart Staszewski's efforts brought international attention to the issue, prompting the European Union to cut funding to these cities. With a new government in power, there is hope for progress in legal rights and protection from hate speech for the LGBTQ+ community in Poland.
Greece's Orthodox Church is vehemently opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage, using outdated and false claims about homosexuality being a mental illness and suggesting that baptisms could turn children gay if their parents are LGBTQ+. Despite the bill not forcing priests to marry gay couples and having no impact on the church, the church has been the loudest opponent. The bill is expected to pass, making Greece the first Christian Orthodox country with strong religious roots to allow same-sex marriage. The church's opposition has sparked protests, but the bill is likely to pass with the majority of parliamentary votes, providing legal recognition and rights to same-sex couples and their children.
