With the lower house passing a bill recognizing same-sex marriage legally, Thailand has made a historic leap toward marital equality.
For it to become law, the Senate must still approve it and the royal seal of approval.
However, it is generally anticipated that by the end of 2024, Thailand will be the only nation in South East Asia to accept same-sex unions.
It will solidify Thailand’s standing as a relative sanctuary for LGBTQ+ couples in an area where such perspectives are uncommon.
“Equality is only getting started. Presenting a draft of the law to parliament, MP Danuphorn Punnakanta, the head of the lower house’s committee on marital equality, said, “It’s not a magic bullet for every issue, but it’s the first step towards equality.” “This law wants to return these rights to this group of people, not grant them the rights.”
400 of the 415 legislators in attendance voted in favor of the new law, which will redefine marriage as a partnership between two people rather than a union of a man and a woman. Additionally, it will grant LGBTQ+ couples the same rights to inherit property, save money on marriage taxes, and consent to medical treatment for impaired partners.
Married couples of the same sex are legally permitted to adopt children. The committee recommended using the phrase “parents” instead of “fathers and mothers,” however the lower house did not accept this recommendation.
Thailand is regarded as one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries since it already has legislation against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
But to get same-sex couples this close to marriage equality, years of advocacy are needed.
In the past, despite widespread public support, initiatives to legalize same-sex marriage have failed. 96.6% of respondents to a government survey conducted late last year supported the law.
“Yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed and watching the parliamentary debate,” Phisit Sirihirunchai, a 35-year-old police officer who identifies as gay, adds. “I’m relieved and thrilled that it will actually happen. I am getting closer and closer to realizing my aspirations.”
Phisit stated that he had been planning to get married on the day the law takes effect with his boyfriend, with whom he has been dating for almost five years.
“In my opinion, equality has been achieved now. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a gay Member of Parliament from the opposition Move Forward party who has been advocating for marriage equality for the past ten years, said, “It’s a historic day for the Thai parliament that stands to fight for the rights of LGBTQI+.”
Prior to the election of last year, a number of political parties made campaign promises to acknowledge same-sex unions. Since taking office in September of last year, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin has also been outspoken in her support.
Four proposed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage were approved by the lower house in December; three of the bills originated from opposition parties and one was submitted by Mr. Thavisin’s administration. After that, they were merged into a single bill, which was approved on Wednesday by the lower house.
Nevertheless, despite the transgender groups’ prominent presence in Thailand, the country’s parliament has thus far rejected efforts to let individuals to change their gender identity.
In South East Asia, where some nations have made same-sex relationships illegal, Thailand continues to be unique. In Asia, it is likewise exceptional.
The first legislature in Asia to legalize same-sex unions was Taiwan’s in 2019. Five months after the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of same-sex unions, Nepal registered its first one in November of last year.
Just one month had passed since the top court of India had rejected it, handing the matter over to the government, which said that it would form a panel to determine whether or not same-sex couples should have additional legal rights.
In Japan, district courts have declared that the ban on marriage is unconstitutional, and the LGBTQ+ community has been working for marital equality there as well. Surveys indicate that the population is in favor of it, but the ruling party’s more established members have been fiercely opposed, sabotaging attempts.
In 2022, Singapore repealed a legislation from the colonial era that forbade homosexual relations, but it also changed its constitution to stop courts from questioning the notion of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
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