Thailand set to legalize same-sex marriage in January 2024
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Thailand has made a significant step toward LGBTQ+ equality by becoming Southeast Asia's first country to legalize same-sex marriage. The groundbreaking ordinance, signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and published in the Royal Gazette, will take Read More...
Thailand advances LGBTQIA+ rights
Thailand is on the verge of making history by becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to officially recognize non-heterosexual unions and the second Asian country after Taiwan. With overwhelming support, the draft amendment known as the Marriage Equality Bill is gaining traction, indicating a Read More...
Greece is the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex marriage
Greece, the birthplace of democracy and ancient traditions, has defied a longstanding norm by becoming the first Christian Orthodox country to legalize same-sex marriage. In a watershed event, the Athens parliament voted decisively in favor of a historic change, generating a mix of excitement and Read More...
Shaping tomorrow: Greece's progress toward same-sex marriage equality
In a historic move, Greece's center-right government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is poised to legalize same-sex civil marriage and adoption. Crucially, this progressive plan has received backing from the left-wing opposition, indicating a historic alliance. Stefanos Kasselakis, Read More...
With landmark legislation, California strengthens LGBTQ+ protections
Governor Gavin Newsom of California recently adopted a series of legislative measures aimed at strengthening LGBTQ+ protections and encouraging inclusivity across the state, in a landmark move to buttress LGBTQ+ rights. With these revolutionary laws, California maintained its national leadership in Read More...
Same-sex marriage now legal in Nepal: A historic step toward equality in South Asia
Nepal, a conservative South Asian country, recently made great progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The country's highest court has authorized the legal registration of same-sex weddings, making it the first country in South Asia to do so. While same-sex marriages are first categorized as Read More...
New York Governor protects transgender youth’s right to transition-related care
New York Governor Kathy Hochul took an important step toward preserving the rights of transgender adolescents on Sunday, June 25th, by signing legislation to protect their access to transition-related medical treatment. The new law not only prevents New York courts from enforcing regulations from Read More...
Raising diverse voices and celebrating progress this Pride Month
With the arrival of June comes Pride Month, a time to gather together to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the progress achieved toward equality. Despite the ongoing challenges, such as anti-2SLGBTQIA+ laws, (according to the ACLU, there are currently almost 500 anti-2SLCBTQIA+ Read More...
Respect for Marriage Act protects same-sex and interracial marriages
In a rush before the upcoming Republican takeover of the House of Representatives next year, the US Senate has successfully enacted the Respect for Marriage Act, which seeks to safeguard same-sex unions. The bill must now be passed by the House, which majority leader Steny Hoyer predicted may Read More...
Slovenia legalizes same-sex marriage and adoption, a first in Eastern Europe
Slovenia made history on Tuesday, Oct 4, by becoming the first country in Eastern Europe to equalize its marriage and adoption rules for same-sex couples after the modification was approved by the country's parliament. The ruling is made as Slovenia's neighboring countries enact new Read More...