Vietnam may just become the first Asian country to fully legalize marriage equality. 

The Justice Ministry has proposed drafting an amendment that would include same-sex couples in the country’s legal definition of marriage. It will consider public and governmental opinions before submitting the potential proposal in May.

“I think, as far as human rights are concerned, it’s time for us to look at the reality,” said Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong last week. “The number of homosexuals has mounted to hundreds of thousands. It’s not a small figure. They live together without registering marriage. They may own property. We, of course, have to handle these issues legally.”

While it is unknown how long it would take to make such a proposal reality, gay-rights activists are hailing this notion as a major step forward, and are confident that one day soon they will see Vietnam become the first Asian country to embrace same-sex marriage.

“I think everyone is surprised,” said Vien Tanjung, an Indonesian gay rights activist. “Even if it’s not successful, it’s already making history. For me personally, I think it’s going to go through.”

Wow. This is truly impressive. I hope it goes through.