Thailand's parliament has passed a bill to legally approve same-sex marriage.

Upper house lawmakers voted in favor of the bill on Tuesday, following approval by the lower house in March. It makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to legalize such marriage.

The bill revises the law that stipulates that marriage is only between men and women. It will give same-sex couples rights to tax breaks, inheritance and adopting children. The bill is expected to come into effect by the end of the year, after getting the king's approval.

Members of the LGBTQ community watched the proceedings from a separate room in parliament.
They shared their joy at the landmark legislation.

Pakodchakon Wongsupha, who came with her partner said: "I'm happy. We've been waiting 20 years for this law. It's a feeling beyond happiness."

Kamontip Aurareemaitrichit said: "It warms my heart that we are not just lovers, but now we have this law that can support us."

Thai society has a reputation for tolerance of sexual minorities, but related legislation did not fully reflect that.

The legalization of same-sex-marriage is one of the signature policies of the administration led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Elsewhere in Asia, Taiwan and Nepal already have such legislation in place.