Thai same-sex marriage bill passes first reading

The Thai senate passed the first reading of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday, taking the kingdom another step closer to becoming the first Southeast Asian country to recognize marriage equality.

The lower house easily passed the law last week and the legislation has moved to the country's unelected senate. Senate Deputy President said that the senators voted to pass the bill with 147 agreed. Thailand has long enjoyed an international reputation for tolerance of the LGBTQ community, but activists have struggled for decades against conservative attitudes and values.