After the lower apartment passed a bill granting constitutional recognition to same-sex marriage, Thailand has made a historic step closer to marriage equality.
To be laws, it also needs Senate approval and royal endorsement.
However, it is widely anticipated to occur by the end of 2024, making Thailand the sole South East Asian nation to recognize same-sex organizations.
In a region where such views are uncommon, it will strengthen Thailand’s status as a shelter for LGBTQ newlyweds.
” This is the beginning of justice. It’s not a universal solution to every concern but it’s the first step towards equality”, Danuphorn Punnakanta, an MP and president of the lower building’s committee on union justice, told congress while presenting a review of the bill. This law does not give them the right, but rather wants to return these privileges to this group of people.
The new legislation, which was passed by 400 of 415 of politicians current, will identify relationship as a collaboration between two people, instead of between a man and woman. And it will provide LGBTQ people equal rights to acquire marital tax savings, to inherit residence, and to provide medical care consent for colleagues who are incapacitated.
Thailand now has laws that ban prejudice over gender identity and sexual orientation and is, thus, seen as one of Asia’s most LGBTQ friendly governments.
However, it has taken many years of fighting to bring same-sex couples to marriage equality.
Despite widespread public support, previous efforts to legalize same-sex relationship failed. A late last year survey by the government revealed that 96.6 % of respondents were in favor of the bill.
” Yes, I’m watching the political debate and keeping my hands crossed”, says Phisit Sirihirunchai, a 35- season- old boldly gay police agent. ” I’m happy and presently anticipating that it will actually occur. I’m getting closer to having my dreams come true.
Phisit and his companion, who have been dating for more than five decades, have said they intend to get married when the new law becomes law.
Prior to the election of last year, many political parties made the promise to recognize same-sex unions in their campaigns. Sretta Thavisin, the prime minister, has also shown vigor in his aid since taking office in September of this year.
The lower house approved four bills in December to allow same-sex unions. A was proposed by Mr. Thavisin’s management, and three others by opposition parties. The lower apartment passed a bill on Wednesday that combined these into a single invoice.
Despite the high profile of transgender populations in Thailand, the Thai legislature has so far rejected proposals to change gender identities.
Thailand continues to excel in South East Asia, where same-sex connection is prohibited in some nations. It’s also an oddity in Asia.
In addition to changing its constitution, Singapore changed its constitution to prevent the courts from challenging the definition of marriage as one between a man and a woman. The colonial-era law that outlawed gay sex in 2022 was also changed.
Additional reporting by the BBC’s Thanyarat Doksone