Thai LGBTQ+ Community Hotly Anticipates Same-Sex Union Bills

[snoop1130]

This year, there is a hum of anticipation for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community in Thailand. In May, Bangkok elected a new governor in a landslide victory for Chadchart Sittipunt, who advocated for marriage equality on the campaign trail. A month later, the Cabinet endorsed the Civil Partnership Bill for same-sex unions.

 

For Pride Month 2022, you’re cordially invited to take a step closer to understanding what it means to be LGBTQ+ in Thailand and how that is about to change.

 

Context is key

 

 

Thailand has a unique relationship with its Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community that’s difficult to understand through the Western spectrum of conservative versus progressive. As a majority Buddhist country, Thailand’s conservative elements aren’t associated with religious intolerance of LGBTQ+ identities. Consequently, the conversation around LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand tends to avoid drawing people into debates about faith.

 

Like other Southeast Asian countries, Thai society and culture has traditionally held the view of there being three genders in existence: male, female, and male-female. This fundamental gender theory has helped to create space for the LGBTQ+ community in Thai society, and there is a growing appetite for LGBTQ-themed content.

 

The transgender community in particular is strong voice in Thai society. The globally renowned Miss Tiffany’s Universe pageant has been recognizing transgender queens since 1975, and Thailand is often cited as a leading destination for gender reassignment procedures.

 

More recently, Thailand’s first transgender prime ministerial candidate ran in the 2019 general election. The Mahachon Party’s Pauline Ngarmpring is seen as living proof of Thailand’s acceptance in the political arena. Pauline said, “In Thailand, conservative parties are not necessarily conservative in all aspects.”

 

While LGBTQ+ people are very visible in Thai society, the country still has a lot of work to do on the legal front. Barriers to achieving full equality in terms of legislation remain.

 

Recognizing same-sex unions

 

The crowd at the first pride parade in Bangkok, Thailand. Source: Piyoros C / Shutterstock.com

 

In recent years, LGBTQ+ rights have been actively advocated by both government and opposition parties, including the conservative Democrats, as well as the liberal Move Forward and center-left Kla parties. All agree in principle on the importance of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and see an urgency in pushing for gender equality. Two bills have emerged: the Civil Partnership Bill and the Marriage Equality Bill.

 

The Civil Partnership Bill—proposed by the Ministry of Justice and approved by the Cabinet—defines a same-sex union as between two people of the same gender, both of whom must be at least 17 years of age and at least one must be a Thai national.

 

The Marriage Equality Bill—which has not received Cabinet’s endorsement—proposes that the current marriage law be amended to use gender-neutral terminology like “spouse” instead of “husband” and “wife” and “person” instead of “man” and “woman.” If passed, the proposed amendments would allow individuals to be legally married regardless of gender and ensure that they receive equal rights, duties, and protection under the law.

 

If either bill is passed into law, Thailand would become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions, after Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same sex marriage.

 

The current civil partnership draft bill, proposed by the government, covers the registration and termination of partnerships between same-sex couples and rules for property sharing, adoption, and inheritance. However, the bill doesn’t yet fully grant rights in some areas, such as changing sexual identity, tax allowance, and government-related benefits as a couple before the law. These would involve amendments to other laws and will thus need to be done step-by-step.

 

Regardless, the Overton window in Thailand has shifted irreversibly. The country’s political climate has never been more ready to tackle LGBTQ+ rights and gender inequalities.

 

“There is no going back,” according to Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of the International Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice.

 

While Thai law has yet to guarantee full rights for LGBTQ+ couples, some companies are taking it upon themselves to address these issues for their employees.

 

“In line with the employment policy of its Scandinavian parent company, telecom giant DTAC not only accepts and promotes gender diversity but also provides them with a non-discriminatory working environment. At the moment, DTAC is also working towards providing same-sex marriage welfare to their LGBT+ staff with common marriage rights.”

 

– Sharad Mehrotra, CEO, DTAC

 

Whole-of-society approach

 

Source: Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock.com

 

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has made efforts to increase the rights and freedom for the LGBT community. In July 2020, under the leadership of Juti Krailerk, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, 39 government agencies and private companies including education institutions jointly inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reaffirm their commitments to prevent gender discrimination.

 

“The issue of gender diversity matters and therefore everyone in society should be entitled to stand with dignity in society regardless of their sexual orientation. My wish is to see the gender equality become a norm in society.”

 

– Juti Krailerk, Minister of Social Development and Human Security

 

Under the MoU, signatories will strictly follow the guidelines of the Thai Gender Equality Act to create work, education environments, or opportunities that are indiscriminate and accessible to all. Under the MoU, they will:

 

• allow students or employees to dress according to their sexual orientation;
• provide public space that is safe and friendly for the LGBTQ+ community;
• ensure that job applications and candidate selections focus on ability and qualifications rather than gender;
• ensure use of words, gestures, and documents that are appropriate for all gender identities that do not stigmatize or label any gender that could lead to bullying or discrimination;
• be non-discriminant in the promotion and selection process of persons holding any positions in any agency, taking account of ability rather than gender; and
• prevent harassment or sexual harassment in the workplace.

 

Despite lingering social stigma, signatories to the MoU have supported LGBTQ+ individuals to be able to dress according to their gender identity at universities and workplaces, changing what it means for LGBTQ+ individuals finding education and employment in Thailand.

 

A step in the right direction

 

Those observing on the sidelines may find themselves scratching their heads at the unique contradictions of Thai society’s at-once conservative and progressive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. However, over the past few years, it feels like Thailand is finally putting its money where its mouth is as a bastion of gay pride. Whichever bill gets passed, however long it takes to achieve gender equality under law, it’s clear that the die has been cast, and the country can only move forward.

 

Source: https://www.thailandnow.in.th/current-affairs/thai-lgbtq-community-hotly-anticipates-same-sex-union-bills/

 

-- © Copyright THAILAND NOW 2022-06-09

 

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[ikke1959]

Thailand is not an exception. In many countries there is already a gay marriage possible, and gays are of all time in all religions.. The easiest way to legalize a relationship is just change man and wife in person and person, and all problesm are solved.. But THailand is very very conservative and the Gay Mariage Bill from Move Forward was alreadyapproved by House of Representatives in February and was given a 60 days study to the Cabinet. However they have never responded on it because the Cabinet only want to push their own incomplete Bill to law.. Hiding behind, religions, not accepting by public, and who knows what more  unreal reasons.. Now that the elections are in sight they suddenly come with a kind of gift to the Gay community by approving the Civil Union Bill after 4 years waiting, and with the comment that it will not be possible again this year but maybe next year or for teh new Cabinet with more delays  again...... The liquor Bill could pass quickly, why wait so long with a decision for a marriage that is already 1000 times investigated by several committees ??? Approve the Gay marrige of Move Forward better today than tomorrow.. The LGBTQ community deserves it after so may years 

[wombat]

different strokes for different folks i guess

[hotchilli]

I got attention deficit disorder after the first paragraph.

[PremiumLane]

1 hour ago, wombat said:

different strokes for different folks i guess

Well most of them are in the closet ???? 

[blazes]

I don't have a problem with gays marrying or whatever, but I do wish they would stop referring to their spouses as either husband or wife.  It causes unnecessary (but probably deliberate) confusion as one does a double-take.

(What's wrong with "partner"?)

[HappyExpat57]

I know a gay couple, very good friends of me and my family. They explained it to me some time ago that it's not about the sex. It's about making decisions like whether or not to pull the plug should that dreadful day ever come. People should really take a bigger interest in minding their own business.

[ikke1959]

45 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I know a gay couple, very good friends of me and my family. They explained it to me some time ago that it's not about the sex. It's about making decisions like whether or not to pull the plug should that dreadful day ever come. People should really take a bigger interest in minding their own business.

Indeed here in Thailand is only the legal partner or the family allowed to give permission in case of a emergency or by death to claim the body and arrange the funeral. Gay people can't do that now and for me as an example I don't have brothers or sisters or kids in Thailand or anywhere so when I die, there should be a nephew/niece /or cousin who hardly know me take the decisions???? Before they found them probably i would be dead in an emergency and it could take weeks/ months before I could be cremated... That is the only thing that people don't know and has nothing to do sex, but just practical things. iT is a shame that it takes now already 4 years after it was approved in 2018 and still no decision is made. I know Tha gaypeople too who are abandonned from their family because they are gay.. They  face the same problems... Just change the law in in two persons or two partners and all problems are solved.. Nothing to do with religion, because every religion is based of love... but the Government talks a lot promise a lot but doesn't do anything for us

[Adelphi]

2 hours ago, blazes said:

I don't have a problem with gays marrying or whatever, but I do wish they would stop referring to their spouses as either husband or wife.  It causes unnecessary (but probably deliberate) confusion as one does a double-take.

(What's wrong with "partner"?)

Hi Blazes.  I am struggling to understand your confusion. In the modern world lots of gay men for example marry other men.   Before the marriage ceremony they normally refer to the guy they love as their partner. After the marriage they refer to the guy as their husband.  All very straightforward and no deliberate intention to confuse.  Indeed when a man refers to his husband he is obviously a married gay guy - no other interpretation possible.  Nor any need for a “double take”.  

[zzaa09]

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I got attention deficit disorder after the first paragraph.

Like all the other pc/woke/social fashions, tends to be pushy with an intentional ott agenda.....and without substance.

 

 

 

 

[TooMuchTime]

Leave this garbage in the farang countries where it belongs.  People here will probably start urging Thailand to take in mid 20's male middle eastern "refugees"
 as well.

[arithai12]

1 hour ago, Adelphi said:

Hi Blazes.  I am struggling to understand your confusion. In the modern world lots of gay men for example marry other men.   Before the marriage ceremony they normally refer to the guy they love as their partner. After the marriage they refer to the guy as their husband.  All very straightforward and no deliberate intention to confuse.  Indeed when a man refers to his husband he is obviously a married gay guy - no other interpretation possible.  Nor any need for a “double take”.  

You told only half of the story.

Now, take the case of a guy who introduces his wife... and that's a man.

 

[Yellowtail]

5 hours ago, blazes said:

I don't have a problem with gays marrying or whatever, but I do wish they would stop referring to their spouses as either husband or wife.  It causes unnecessary (but probably deliberate) confusion as one does a double-take.

(What's wrong with "partner"?)

I think "partner" is creepy and even more ambiguous.  I don't see anything wrong with husband, wife or spouse. .

 

 

[Sparktrader]

Bis still cant marry a man and a woman though.

[Yellowtail]

8 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:

Bis still cant marry a man and a woman though.

They can in the US. They just have to go to the right place.

[Mac Mickmanus]

45 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I think "partner" is creepy and even more ambiguous.  I don't see anything wrong with husband, wife or spouse. .

 

 

If two males are getting married and they both are wearing suits  , is there any way of knowing which one is the Wife ?

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, TooMuchTime said:

Leave this garbage in the farang countries where it belongs.  People here will probably start urging Thailand to take in mid 20's male middle eastern "refugees"
 as well.

another comment from someone with idea's of he 19th century..enter the 21st century please and open your eyes instead of making comments that are meaningless 

[Orinoco]

How  uninteresting. 

Can't even keep up with the silly terminology now days. 

 

 

 

[Adelphi]

1 hour ago, arithai12 said:

You told only half of the story.

Now, take the case of a guy who introduces his wife... and that's a man.

 

Sorry but I don’t understand. Maybe you could tell the other half of the story so we can all understand what you mean.

[Baht Simpson]

20 minutes ago, Orinoco said:

How  uninteresting. 

Can't even keep up with the silly terminology now days. 

 

 

 

Fortunate that you don't have to then. Although if you were interested a simple Google search would allay your anxieties.

[Adelphi]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just make sure they are not allowed to adopt children. 

Why should they not be allowed  to adopt?  Many children in orphanages without parents.  All the evidence is that lesbians and gay men can make excellent parents.  

[Adelphi]

55 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

If two males are getting married and they both are wearing suits  , is there any way of knowing which one is the Wife ?

Why does such a weird thought even entre your head?

[metisdead]

A post with a reported trolling image and a reply has been removed.

[BangkokReady]

On 6/9/2022 at 7:53 PM, ikke1959 said:

The easiest way to legalize a relationship is just change man and wife in person and person, and all problesm are solved..

Doesn't help straight people who want to be known as man and wife though...

[Jingthing]

20 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

Doesn't help straight people who want to be known as man and wife though...

No problem. Say you're man and wife. Sorted. He was talking about a simple legal solution. You're complaining a total TRIVIALITY as if it would be OK to deny an entire class of people basic civil rights because of some petty language fetish. 

[Jingthing]

2 hours ago, Adelphi said:

Why should they not be allowed  to adopt?  Many children in orphanages without parents.  All the evidence is that lesbians and gay men can make excellent parents.  

Some people want there always to be people under them with fewer civil rights as them so they can feel superior. When they are not superior at all. Human nature or as Trink would say MANURE. 

 

Also there is nothing homophobes can do to stop lesbians from having kids, eh? 

Edited June 10, 2022 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

3 hours ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

If two males are getting married and they both are wearing suits  , is there any way of knowing which one is the Wife ?

Cisgender gay male couples would usually consider themselves husband and husband. Not a problem. If same sex marriage is legal, there is no legal reason for there to need to be a husband and wife. Got it now? 

[Jingthing]

9 hours ago, blazes said:

I don't have a problem with gays marrying or whatever, but I do wish they would stop referring to their spouses as either husband or wife.  It causes unnecessary (but probably deliberate) confusion as one does a double-take.

(What's wrong with "partner"?)

It describes their reality. Would it hurt you so much to respect people different than you? Married people aren't partners. They are married. 

[Mac Mickmanus]

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Cisgender gay male couples would usually consider themselves husband and husband. Not a problem. If same sex marriage is legal, there is no legal reason for there to need to be a husband and wife. Got it now? 

How do you know whether to refer to them as Husband and Husband or Husband and Wife ?

[Jingthing]

Just now, Mac Mickmanus said:

How do you know whether to refer to them as Husband and Husband or Husband and Wife ?

You're making up problems that do not exist. If it's two men and they present as men calling one of them wife is an obvious insult. Are you serious with these questions or playing games?