Thailand moves to legalise same-sex marriage

 

Thailand moves to legalise same-sex marriage

With the lower house passing a measure recognising same-sex marriage legally, Thailand has made a historic leap towards 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 would be the only nation in South East Asia to accept same-sex partnerships.

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 favour of the new law, which would 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 agree 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 as 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 popular support, initiatives to legalise same-sex marriage have failed. 96.6% of respondents to a government survey conducted late last year supported the law.

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"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 realising my aspirations."

Phisit stated that he had been preparing to be married on the day the legislation 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, stated, "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 partnerships. Since entering office in September of last year, Prime Minister Sretta Thavisin has also been outspoken in her support.

Four proposed legislation to legalise 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 measure, which was approved on Wednesday by the lower house.

Nevertheless, despite the transgender groups' prominent presence in Thailand, the country's government has thus far rejected efforts to let individuals to change their gender identification.

In South East Asia, where several nations have made same-sex relationships illegal, Thailand continues to be unique. In Asia, it is likewise exceptional.

The first legislature in Asia to legalise same-sex unions was Taiwan's in 2019. Five months after the Supreme Court's decision in support of same-sex unions, Nepal registered its first one in November of last year.

This was just one month after India's top court had ruled against it, leaving the decision to the government, which said it would set up a panel that would decide on more legal rights for same-sex couples.

The LGBTQ+ community has also been fighting for marriage equality in Japan, where district courts have ruled that the ban is unconstitutional. Polls show public support for it but stiff opposition from older, traditional ranks of the ruling party has stymied efforts.

Singapore scrapped a colonial-era law that banned gay sex in 2022, but also amended its constitution to prevent the courts from challenging the definition of marriage as one between a man and a woman.