webfact Posted April 24, 2018 Share Posted April 24, 2018 New law to pave way for same-sex partnerships By The Nation Proponents hail it as progressive step towards legalisation of gay marriage. AFTER YEARS of calls by sexual-diversity groups, a new law that would allow registered life partnership for same-sex couples is in the making – with supporters expecting it to be promulgated within the term of the present government. For proponents, the long-awaited legislation is viewed as the first i-mportant step towards legal same-sex marriage in Thailand in the future. Sexual diversity groups have long called for a law that guarantees partnerships between couples of the same sex, as the existing legislation only allows marriages between people of different sexes. A Justice Ministry subcommittee charged with drafting the bill is scheduled to convene on May 4 before presenting the final draft, through the justice minister, to the Cabinet for approval, said a source at the ministry’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD). “The department aims to have this draft law promulgated within the term of this present government,” the source said. In 2012, same-sex couples petitioned the Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights for a law to protect same-sex unions as gender-based discrimination was considered a violation of the Constitution. The committee later worked with the RLPD to draft a bill for “life partnership registration” but its move to Parliament was interrupted by the military coup in 2014. File photo Nareelak Phaechaiyaphum, the director of the RLPD’s Division of International Human Rights, said the bill encountered many issues. They included the different demands of various same-sex couple groups, religious beliefs against same-sex partnerships, and authorities’ tendency to cling to the male-female family structure, while some parts of Thai society still had a bias against same-sex companionship. The latest version narrowed its focus to the asset management of same-sex life partners to avoid large-scale impacts and the need to amend multiple laws, she said. People in same-sex relationships yesterday praised the proposed legislation as new hope that their lives could be made easier. However, some gender-equality advocates called for a more progressive law. Ratthanan Prapairat, 38, said he has been with his same-sex partner for more than 20 years. They have bought a house, run a clothing business together and have built a family life like any other straight couple. If the new law is implemented, they say they will definitely register their partnership. “It is a must-have that should have been in place years ago as it would be very helpful in protecting the rights of same-sex couples,” he said. “Same-sex couples are no different from straight couples. We have accumulated a lot of assets and heritage together. This law will be great for us.” He said they had been worried in the past about asset management but they had arranged a will addressing their assets, just in case something unexpected happened in the future. Vitaya Saeng-aroon, 50, said he had an issue when his partner was hospitalised as the existing law does not consider same-sex partners to be relatives. “When my same-sex partner was in ICU earlier this year, I was not permitted to sign any document after he went into a coma. I was not his relative, even though I had been taking care of him for over a year. I had to wait for his brother from upcountry to show up,” Vitaya said. “After a week in ICU, he passed away peacefully. I did not know about his death until his brother called me,” he added. Vitaya said the law is important as a stepping stone to validate same-sex relationship. “It’s not only about equality but also about humanity. Gay people need to be recognised as common couples in every supporting aspect. That will bring wider understanding towards the true meaning of diversity,” he said. Gender equality advocate Naiyana Supapueng was suspicious about the new law, saying its content would decide whether or not it would drive the country towards progressiveness. From her experience with similar legislation that had been aborted years ago, Naiyana said that the state may have good will towards the people. However, on the other hand, it still also had to protect traditions and national security, she said. “So, most of the time, the content of the law remains within the limits set by these rules and traditions that it doesn’t guarantee the rights of the people,” she said. “Like in the former draft, they did allow same sex marriage but then so many restrictions and conditions were present. It showed that the state still had a homophobia mindset.” Aside from that, legislation addressing same sex couples may also be a form of discrimination, the activist said. She would rather see partnership legislation that applies equally to all genders, not just the LGBTQ but also straight men and women alike, she said. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. File photo LGBTIQ rights activist Chumaporn Taengkliang, however, said that the progress of the Same Sex Life Partnership Registration Bill was too little too late for the assurance of gender equality and same sex marriage acceptance in Thailand. The abbreviation LGBTIQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning. The last group refers to an individual who is uncertain of his or her sexual orientation. “This is not the progressive move for the LGBTIQ rights campaign, because this bill only focuses on the asset management and barely covers the other aspect of life partnership of same sex couples,” Chumaporn said. “I still do not see other rights acceptances for same sex couples, for instance the right to be a parent of children or having their own child by using assisted reproductive technology, while there are already many cases of rights deprivation that the same sex couples have to face when they need to deal with legal matters with their partner.” She also emphasised that the bill also lacked proper public participation, which could result in problems in the future, as has already happened with the Gender Equality Act, and once the bill becomes law, it will be very hard to amend. Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30343878 -- © Copyright The Nation 2018-04-25 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGareth2 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 39 minutes ago, webfact said: However, on the other hand, it still also had to protect traditions and national security, she said. national security? 40 minutes ago, webfact said: LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. queer? sounds a bit nasty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YouYouYou Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 So yes it may be a step in the right direction but this bill doesn't allow or recognise same sex marriage. This is the big step which is fair for all and should be implemented in any society anywhere in the world .... up to each and every one of us who we decide to marry and should be allowed for social justice and fairness in any developing country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robblok Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 19 minutes ago, YouYouYou said: So yes it may be a step in the right direction but this bill doesn't allow or recognise same sex marriage. This is the big step which is fair for all and should be implemented in any society anywhere in the world .... up to each and every one of us who we decide to marry and should be allowed for social justice and fairness in any developing country. Great comment I agree 100%. The only people against this are close minded and / or religious freaks. Nothing wrong with giving rights to same sex partnerships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCC1701A Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 how about equal rights for expats? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezzra Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 29 minutes ago, YouYouYou said: So yes it may be a step in the right direction but this bill doesn't allow or recognise same sex marriage. This is the big step which is fair for all and should be implemented in any society anywhere in the world .... up to each and every one of us who we decide to marry and should be allowed for social justice and fairness in any developing country. Oh that? now you're asking for too much here, this will take another couple of decades or so to finally legalise what is a norm in many other countries already... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coulson Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 12 minutes ago, NCC1701A said: how about equal rights for expats? Equal rights for expats has been available for a while now, see below link.... https://thailandelite.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardColeman Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 Keep going, I'll be able to marry my Japanese sex robot soon ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko45k Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 25 minutes ago, NCC1701A said: how about equal rights for expats? Who are you looking to marry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfd101 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 Inching forward. But - as the alphabet acronym gets ever longer - it becomes harder & harder to fit everyone in (so to speak). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2b2 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 hour ago, RichardColeman said: Keep going, I'll be able to marry my Japanese sex robot soon ! Well if you live in Thailand and the only date you can find is a Japanese robot.... well that speaks volumes about yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2b2 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 While Thailand is still taking baby steps in committee, the world has moved on. Perhaps the first steps Thailand should take is simply recognizing the marriages of same sex couples performed in other countries. The Thai government has every expectation that the marriages of their citizens will be recognized abroad, they simply do not extend those same rights and privileges to many legally marrried same sex couples residing in Thailand. The countries that do recognize marriage equality should pressure the Thai government by threatening to no longer recognize Thai marriages. Argentina (2010) Belgium (2003) Brazil (2013) Canada (2005) Colombia (2016) Denmark (2012) England and Wales (2013) Finland (2015) France (2013) Germany (2017) Iceland (2010) Ireland (2015) Luxembourg (2014) Malta (2017) The Netherlands (2000) New Zealand (2013) Norway (2008) Portugal (2010) Scotland (2014) South Africa (2006) Spain (2005) Sweden (2009) United States (2015) Uruguay (2013) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluespunk Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadbury Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 2 hours ago, RichardColeman said: Keep going, I'll be able to marry my Japanese sex robot soon ! Why not! Some bloke married his snake some time ago. I think they had a lovers tiff but later made up. Unfortunately the snake embraced him to death. God only knows what your sex robot might do to you in similar circumstances. It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jak2002003 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 I hope they get this sorted out ASAP. Make me feel a lot more secure here.. make my visa easier, and also give me better legal rights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardColeman Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 hour ago, d2b2 said: Well if you live in Thailand and the only date you can find is a Japanese robot.... well that speaks volumes about yourself shhh, my wife does not know about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinnieTheKhwai Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 But still limited to just one person right? It reeks more of Western liberal imperialism than an actual step forward. Why don't governments just stay out of marriage completely. Just stop micromanaging and documenting the way people choose to live together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2b2 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 minute ago, WinnieTheKhwai said: But still limited to just one person right? It reeks more of Western liberal imperialism than an actual step forward. Why don't governments just stay out of marriage completely. Just stop micromanaging and documenting the way people choose to live together. Because without the legal protections and clarity defined by the marriage contract, the rule of law as well as the rights and privileges of marriage would be lost. Basic protections would become subjective and capriciously applied Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d2b2 Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 3 hours ago, AGareth2 said: national security? queer? sounds a bit nasty Queer. Just taking back of what is meant as an insult and turning it into a badge of honour. If you own the word, no one can harm you with it. It removes the power from those who seek to insult and harm with their words. If only it were as easy to neutralise the physical violence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AsiaHand Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 This should make a lot of Brits and Germans happy here now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PremiumLane Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 2 hours ago, WinnieTheKhwai said: It reeks more of Western liberal imperialism than an actual step forward. I think you will find archaic marriage laws have sweet fa to do with 'liberal imperialism' or whatever Fox news buzz word you are banding around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairynuff Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 5 hours ago, NCC1701A said: how about equal rights for expats? No...that’s pushing it too far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoshowJones Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 3 hours ago, Bluespunk said: Same sex marriages just like anything else is OK if no one else is put out in any way, just as long as children are not involved, ie two homosexuals or lesbians getting married then adopting kids is not OK, I won't bother explaining it as any fair minded person will know what I mean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairynuff Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 minute ago, possum1931 said: Same sex marriages just like anything else is OK if no one else is put out in any way, just as long as children are not involved, ie two homosexuals or lesbians getting married then adopting kids is not OK, I won't bother explaining it as any fair minded person will know what I mean. Didn’t think it’d take you long......what a schmuk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluespunk Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 minute ago, possum1931 said: Same sex marriages just like anything else is OK if no one else is put out in any way, just as long as children are not involved, ie two homosexuals or lesbians getting married then adopting kids is not OK, I won't bother explaining it as any fair minded person will know what I mean. As long as a child has a loving, caring home where they are happy, the gender and sexual identity of the parents is irrelevant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoshowJones Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 3 minutes ago, Fairynuff said: Didn’t think it’d take you long......what a schmuk What is a schmuk? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoshowJones Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 5 minutes ago, Bluespunk said: As long as a child has a loving, caring home where they are happy, the gender and sexual identity of the parents is irrelevant. 100% wrong, just take the time to think about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarryP Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 1 minute ago, possum1931 said: 100% wrong, just take the time to think about it. Less likely to be homophobic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluespunk Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 9 minutes ago, possum1931 said: 100% wrong, just take the time to think about it. Nah, I recognize the view you are promoting and it really makes me feel quite depressed that such views are still being paraded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairynuff Posted April 25, 2018 Share Posted April 25, 2018 11 minutes ago, possum1931 said: What is a schmuk? Don’t you own a mirror? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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