Thailand edges closer to becoming Asia’s second country to legalize same-sex marriage

THAILAND: Thailand’s lawmakers passed four pieces of legislation on same-sex unions in first reading on Wednesday, June 15, putting the country one step closer to becoming Asia’s second country to legalize same-gender weddings.

However, campaigners claim that Thai laws and institutions have yet to reflect shifting social attitudes and that LGBT people and same-sex couples continue to face discrimination.

Each of the four drafts passed on Wednesday aims to give same-sex couples nearly equal legal rights to heterosexual couples.

Last Monday, the cabinet approved two bills that would establish a same-sex civil partnership statute. Another Democrat Party civil partnership bill was also approved.

Despite the government’s best efforts, a more liberal equal marriage measure from the opposition Move Forward party was also passed. This proposal aims to replace gendered words in existing legislation and make marriage universal.

Related Posts

In response to the legislation’s acceptance, Chumaporn “Waddao” Taengkliang of the Rainbow Coalition for Marriage Equality remarked that this is a really encouraging sign. He added that whether it’s a civil union or marriage, all genders should be held to the same standard.

Thailand’s present marriage statute, which exclusively recognizes heterosexual couples, was found lawful by the Constitutional Court last year, but the court urged the legislation to be amended to protect the rights of other genders.

The measures were passed after Thailand’s first official pride march, in which thousands of people waved rainbow flags and demanded liberal reforms.

Only Taiwan has legalized same-sex unions in Asia so far.

Rianne Motas

Rianne Motas is a Business Economics major from the University of Santo Tomas - Philippines.

Recent Posts

One Piece Unveils Revamped Fish-Man Island Saga with New Opening Theme as Anime Prepares for 2025 Return

One Piece offers a new take of the legendary Fish-Man Island arc, so fans are in for a nostalgic trip…

November 4, 2024

Johor to Pioneer Premium Salaries for Skilled Workers as Malaysia’s First State Initiative under Johor-Singapore SEZ

Particularly in areas related to the forthcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Johor is poised to become the first state…

November 4, 2024

China-Japan Diplomatic Groundwork Laid Ahead of Anticipated Xi-Ishiba Summit in South America

China and Japan are getting ready for what would be a historic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and freshly…

November 4, 2024

Philippines Triumphs with Fifth Consecutive East Asia Baseball Cup Title

Celebrating their fifth straight East Asia Baseball Cup title, the Philippines men's baseball team savored a historic triumph. Sunday in…

November 4, 2024

Japan’s Bold “Conveyor Belt Road” to Solve Truck Driver Shortages with Automated Cargo Transport

Officially known as an "auto flow road," the government of Japan has presented plans for a revolutionary "conveyor belt road,"…

November 3, 2024

China and UAE Celebrate 40 Years of Diplomatic Relations: All the Sectors for Partnership

Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…

November 2, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More