In Thailand, gender will no longer play a role in marriage. A corresponding law has now cleared the first hurdle. However, the approval of the Senate and King is still missing – but that is probably just a formality.
Thailand wants to be the first country in Southeast Asia to introduce marriage for everyone. A corresponding law has now cleared the first hurdle: with a large majority of 399 votes to 10, the members of the lower house of parliament voted to legalize the marriage of same-sex couples.
“Today society has shown us that it cares about LGBTQ rights,” said MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat. Another representative brought a large rainbow flag to the vote.
The proposed law, which replaces “man” and “woman” with gender-neutral words in the marriage law, still needs to be passed by the upper house, the Senate. This only very rarely blocks bills from the House of Representatives. Ultimately, the approval of King Maha Vajiralongkorn is also necessary.
Equal legal and medical rights
Legally, financially and medically, non-heterosexual couples would have the same rights – this means that they should also be treated like all other married couples when it comes to inheritance matters and adoption. However, MPs were unable to agree on anchoring the word “parent” as an alternative to “father” and “mother”, which could still make it difficult for same-sex couples to start a family.
Danuphorn Punnakanta, spokesman for the ruling Pheu Thai party and chairman of the relevant committee, said the reform applies to everyone in Thailand, regardless of gender, and will in no way diminish the rights of heterosexual couples. It’s not about additional rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people, queers and others, but about granting them basic rights.
The LGBTQ community is often discriminated against
In Asia, only Taiwan and Nepal have so far recognized marriage for all. Although Thailand is known for its tolerance of gay couples, much of the Buddhist-majority country is conservative. While the LGBTQ community is highly visible, they still face discrimination.
Activists have been demanding the right to same-sex marriage for more than a decade. Parliament had already made a first attempt in 2022. But the law was not pursued as Parliament was dissolved to pave the way for new elections. The ruling party that came into power last year made marriage for all a priority in the government program.
The English abbreviation LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.
Jennifer Johnston, ARD Singapore, tagesschau, March 27, 2024 12:14 p.m