Thailand made history on Tuesday by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

The landmark decision came after the Senate granted final approval, with 130 votes in favour, four against, and 18 abstentions, amending the marriage law to allow same-sex couples to marry.

The legislation will now proceed to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for royal approval and is expected to take effect 120 days after being published in the official Royal Gazette.

Once enacted, Thailand will join Taiwan and Nepal as one of the few Asian countries where same-sex couples can legally marry.

Activists anticipate that wedding ceremonies could commence as early as October.

While addressing senators following the vote, Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, an LGBTQ activist and committee member involved in reviewing the law stated, “We are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to this historic moment. Your efforts have brought about significant change. Today, love triumphs over prejudice.”

Prior to the vote, Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, an MP from the progressive Move Forward Party, described the legal amendment as ‘a victory for the people.’

The recent legislation has updated marriage laws by replacing terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.

It also ensures that same-sex couples enjoy equal rights to adoption and inheritance as heterosexual couples.

Kevin Pehthai Thanomkhet, 30, shared with AFP, “My partner has a son, and I want legal rights to formally adopt him as my child and to have a say in his welfare. This bill makes that possible.”

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and the bill, will host celebrations at his official residence, welcoming activists and supporters later.

In central Bangkok, activists are organizing an evening rally featuring a drag show. Throughout Pride Month in June, prominent shopping malls have displayed the rainbow flag in solidarity.

Thailand has earned a reputation for its longstanding tolerance of the LGBTQ community, with local media reporting overwhelming public support for marriage equality based on opinion polls.

Since the Netherlands pioneered the first unions in 2001, more than 30 countries worldwide have legalized same-sex marriage.

Eight former SpaceX employees have filed a lawsuit against the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, alleging wrongful termination and a hostile work environment.

The lawsuit, submitted in California, claims that the employees were fired after they raised concerns about workplace culture in an open letter to SpaceX management.

The suit accuses Musk of treating women as “sexual objects” and engaging in lewd banter.

It further alleges that Musk personally ordered the employees’ dismissals in response to their complaints.

The complaint describes the company’s culture as reminiscent of the “dark ages,” where women are judged based on their appearance with dissenters told to seek employment elsewhere.

Additionally, the lawsuit highlights an incident where Musk and other senior executives appeared in a video that made light of sexual misconduct, which was shown at an employee holiday party.

This, the plaintiffs argue, exemplifies the toxic environment at SpaceX.

The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX VP of Human Resources Brian Bjelde had an employee demonstrate the “correct” way to spank him. SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

“Filing this suit marks an important milestone in our quest for justice, for holding leadership accountable, and for implementing responsible changes in workplace policies,” said plaintiff Paige Holland-Thielen.

The lawsuit accuses SpaceX of creating a hostile work environment, retaliation, failure to prevent harassment, gender discrimination, whistleblower retaliation, and wrongful termination.

The same group of former SpaceX employees had previously filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), claiming they were targeted for retaliation.

This case has been delayed after SpaceX sued the NLRB, arguing that its enforcement processes violated the U.S. Constitution. In May, an appeals court granted SpaceX a temporary block, halting the NLRB’s pursuit of the case.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Musk allegedly had inappropriate interactions with female SpaceX employees, including a sexual relationship with a former intern.

These allegations come at a challenging time for Musk, as Tesla shareholders are set to vote on his controversial $55 billion pay package on Thursday, which could significantly boost his wealth.

President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday that Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others have died in a plane crash.

The aircraft, which went missing on Monday during a flight from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, was found in Chikangawa Forest.

The extensive search operation, involving hundreds of personnel and support from neighboring countries, concluded with the discovery of the wreckage.

Former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also among the victims.

The crash occurred under adverse weather conditions, complicating rescue efforts.

In a televised address, President Chakwera expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, marking a somber moment for the nation.

More to follow……..