Thailand Poised to Make History with Marriage Equality Bill

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand is on the verge of a momentous milestone with the impending approval of the Marriage Equality Bill. This legislation, which is set for its final round of Senate voting later this month, has the potential to make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise and uphold marriage equality.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has long championed the cause, promising that Thailand would become a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. The bill seeks to amend the existing marriage laws, ensuring that same-sex couples enjoy the same rights and protections as heterosexual couples.

 

The journey to this moment began in 2001 with a proposed law by Interior Minister Purachai Piamsomboon. Despite initial setbacks, including rejection from then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the movement gained momentum in 2019 and has continued to progress since.

 

By 2022, both civil partnership and marriage equality bills were approved by the House of Representatives, only to be halted by the dissolution of parliament ahead of last year's general election.

 

In December, four marriage equality bills were consolidated into a single, comprehensive proposal by a House committee. This consolidated bill passed the House on March 27 and passed its first Senate reading on April 2. Currently, it is under review by a 27-member committee of senators, civil society members, and ministers. A final Senate vote is slated for June 18. 

 

If approved, the law will grant same-sex couples a wide range of rights, including adoption, estate management, and access to state welfare benefits. The bill also introduces gender-neutral terminology and will apply to foreign LGBTQ+ individuals seeking to register their marriage in Thailand.

 

Once ratified, the bill will take effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This landmark legislation is expected to bolster Thailand's reputation as a progressive nation and a global supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.

 

There are, however, calls for further amendments to ensure inclusivity, such as revisiting terms related to parental roles and addressing the recognition of gender identity. Despite these pending adjustments, the overarching impact of the bill remains a significant step forward for equality in Thailand.

 

-- 2024-06-17

 

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[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has long championed the cause, promising that Thailand would become a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

BS

[ikke1959]

Of course there will be delaying with amendments... Thai Government promise a lot but in reality they don't want the same sex marriage bill, although the gay community is contributing a lot to the economy when passed. It happened in other countries too, but this is Thailand. Delay, amendments, later and in the meantime we are almost 20 years further

[Paiman]

One month ahead and they will be saying the opposite, but coming up with ideas to tax them.

[Gottfrid]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

has the potential to make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to recognise and uphold marriage equality

Even as it is a very positive thing, I have a hard time deciding if a fact like this is positive or negative. Is being first with something that is 20-30 years old in other parts of the world positive, or is it just a duty for the countries in the Asian block? From my side, it´s seen as a duty!

[john donson]

wow historic, as other countries in the world did not legalize gay marriage like yeaaaaaars ago

[newnative]

Just do it already, already, already.

[mike123ca]

If a Thai man marries a foreign man which visa will the foreigner need to apply for? Will the foreigner need to put 400,000 baht in the bank to support a Thai man or No money required because the foreign man will be treated the same as a foreign wife.

[BobBKK]

The world has gone crazy, but I agree with legalised partnerships to protect people. Boring the whole Pride BS

[MarkBR]

Hopefully, the final bill that is published in the Royal Gazette will be good (not guaranteed). 

First thing on the agenda is to get married.