Good news for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. On Thursday (21/12), the Thai Parliament passed four Bills on same-sex marriage in the first reading. This brings Thailand closer to legalizing same-sex marriage in a country known for having the most open and visible LGBTQ+ community in Asia.
Human rights activists have long pointed out that Thailand's laws and institutions have not fully reflected social changes and still discriminate against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and same-sex couples.
Out of the 371 parliament members present, only 11 opposed these Bills. With majority approval, a committee will be formed to consolidate the four Bills into one before further discussion and announcement in next year's vote.
Thailand had previously discussed similar Bills and a civil union Bill for same-sex couples proposed by the previous government last year. However, the final vote was not conducted before the session ended.
The four Bills discussed on Thursday (21/12) came from various sources: one submitted by the new government after the May elections, one by a civil society group, and two others by the opposition parties Move Forward and Democrat.
"In principle, these Bills are proposed to amend certain provisions in the Civil Code, opening the way for couples who love each other, regardless of their gender, to marry," said Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin in parliament, referring to the government's proposed Bill.
"These Bills will provide rights, responsibilities, and family status equivalent to current marriages between men and women, in all aspects," he emphasized.
Somsak also revealed that a government survey conducted between October 31 and November 14 showed 96.6% public support for these Bills.
If these Bills are approved and receive royal consent, Thailand will become the third country in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to recognize same-sex marriage.
This development has been warmly welcomed by the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters. The legalization of same-sex marriage is expected to provide recognition, protection, and equal rights for LGBTQ+ couples in Thailand. However, the struggle is not over. Further discussion and voting are still awaiting next year.
Source: Thailand edges closer to legalising same-sex marriage
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