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