However, activists say Thai laws and institutions have not yet reflected changes in social attitudes and discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples. The four bills approved on Wednesday, aim to give same-sex partners almost the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.
The Cabinet last week approved two legislations for same-sex civil partnership legislation. Another Democratic Civil Partnership Bill has also been passed.
Despite the government’s attempts to oppose it, a more liberal law on same-sex marriage was passed by the opposition Move Forward. This draft aims to replace the gender-specific terminology of existing legislation and make marriage applicable to all.
“This is a very good sign,” said Chumaporn “Waddao” Taengkliang of the Rainbow Union for Marriage Equality in connection with the approval of the bill.
“There should be the same standards for all genders, whether it’s a civil partnership or marriage.”
The Constitutional Court last year allowed only heterosexual couples. Thailand’s current marriage law is the Constitution. However, he recommended expanding the law to secure the rights of other genders.
The passage of the bill follows last week’s first official pride march in Thailand, where thousands waved a rainbow flag and called for reform of the Liberal Party. So far, Taiwan is the only country in Asia that has legalized same-sex partnerships. Thai LGBT activists criticized the two government-backed bills, arguing that same-sex couples do not need a specific law, only amendments to make existing laws more comprehensive.
The four bills will be considered by a 25-member committee. The Commission decides whether to send one or a combined bill to the House of Representatives for two more readings prior to Senate and Royal approval.
Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic ties, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are poised to fortify an alliance that…
Fans of the worldwide sensation Squid Game have much to look forward to this December as the show's producer, Hwang…
Especially when it's the internationally known British rock band Coldplay linking up with K-pop phenomenon TWICE, few events match the…
Tucked on a 12-story structure in northeast China, visitors flock to get a rare view of the junction of their…
HBO's Game of Thrones has created a void in the fantasy world of television that no other show has quite…
Head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Imee Marcos underlined the need of the Philippines getting ready for…
This website uses cookies.
Read More