Thailand edges closer to legalizing same-sex unions

STORY: Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is one step closer to legalizing same-sex marriages

as lawmakers passed at first reading four bills on same-sex unions

Thailand has one of Asia's most open and visible LGBTQ communities

But activists say its laws have yet to reflect changing social attitudes

and still discriminate against LGBTQ people and same-sex couples

The four approved drafts seek to provide same-sex partners

with almost the same legal rights as heterosexual couples

The bills' passage follows the first official pride parade in Thailand

where thousands waved rainbow flags and called for liberal reforms

So far in Asia, only Taiwan has legalized same-sex unions