Thailand one step closer to legalizing same-sex unions


As many countries celebrate Pride Month in June, Thailand moved closer to legalizing same-sex unions with the Cabinet approving two bills to facilitate those partnerships and parliament taking up the legislation.
 
“This is a very good sign,” Chumaporn Taengkliang, a prominent activist on feminism and LGBTQ+ issues, said. “There should be the same standard for all genders, whether it is a civil union or marriage.”
 
Thailand has long been noted for its openness and tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community with several openly gay and transgender people achieving prominence in society. Although sexual orientation has rarely been a hindrance to success in Thailand, LGBTQ+ activists say that some Thai institutions should be more in step with society’s attitudes.
 
Earlier this month, Bangkok held a gay pride parade, which was the first that received official recognition from the national and municipal governments, and the new Bangkok governor marched in the event.
 
Various members of parliament from different political parties have put forward four different pieces of legislation to legalize same-sex unions. Some LGBTQ+ activists are opposed to the bills, since they believe that a special law should not be required to legalize same-sex marriage. They would prefer to see existing laws on marriage and unions amended to include them.
 
Last year, the Constitutional Court ruled Thailand’s current marriage law, which only recognizes heterosexual couples, was constitutional, but recommended legislation be expanded to ensure the rights of other genders.