Thailand’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that will legally recognize same-sex civil partnerships and give greater rights to same-sex couples, a potential first for any nation in Southeast Asia if passed into law.

If ratified by parliament, it would make Thailand only the second place in Asia to allow for the registration of same-sex unions after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage last year.

While it doesn’t go as far as endorsing same-sex marriage, the Civil Partnership Bill allows same-sex couples to legally register their union, a significant move in what remains a largely conservative nation. Under the draft bill, same-sex couples can adopt children, claim inheritance rights, and jointly manage assets such as property for the first time.

Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokesperson, said it was a “milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all genders.”

Outwardly, Thailand has a reputation for being friendly toward gay, lesbian, and transgender people — especially when compared to some of its Southeast Asian neighbors — but the reality is often different.

There are laws that prohibit discrimination but many local LGBTQ people say they regularly face prejudice and even violence. Thailand is a conservative society and there is a stigma associated with going against traditional family values. Often gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer people are limited to working in the entertainment industry or feel they must hide their sexual orientation at work.