Trudeau applauds Thailand for legalizing gay marriage during meeting at ASEAN summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Thailand’s new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on her country’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, calling it a remarkable step forward for human rights in Asia.

Trudeau made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Shinawatra while attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos. He said Thailand’s progress stands out “at a time when rights are backsliding around the world,” describing Shinawatra’s leadership on marriage equality as “exceptional.”

Thailand’s landmark marriage equality law, passed on September 24, officially allows same-sex couples to marry — making it the first Southeast Asian nation to grant full marriage rights to LGBTQ+ citizens.

The meeting was part of a busy day of diplomacy for Trudeau, who held back-to-back sessions with several Asian leaders as Canada seeks to strengthen ties across the Indo-Pacific region. His attendance marks the third consecutive year Canada has participated in the ASEAN summit.