Thailand’s Marriage Equality Law is scheduled to come into force on January 22nd.
The country becomes the first country in Southeast Asia and the third on the continent, after Taiwan and Nepal, to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
Thai parliamentarians passed the Marriage Equality Bill on June 15, 2024 by a margin of 210 to 180. Four members abstained.
There is a report that YouGovAccording to a report released on July 31 last year by the global public opinion and data analysis firm, 32 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with the Marriage Equality Act, 18 percent felt proud and 14 percent expressed satisfaction with the Marriage Equality Act. Percent of respondents said they were hopeful. The report found that 74% of Gen Z respondents expressed support for marriage equality, with more women (81%) than men (67%) supporting it.
After this law was passed, Prime Minister Suretta Tabisin He said this was an “important step” for Thailand.
“Equality and fairness have become concrete in Thai society,” he said, adding that he hoped to see full acceptance of gender diversity.
Tabisin also highlighted the government’s commitment to equal rights for LGBTQ couples. He said the Marriage Equality Bill would give “exactly the same equal rights” as heterosexual couples.
When this law was passed, several celebrities voiced their support.
Famous singer and actor Jeff Satur expressed his enthusiasm on social media.
“We have a right to love, and we are now closer to a right where all love is protected by law,” he said.
The law is set to go into effect on January 22, and the Washington Blade spoke with Thai LGBTQ activists about how they are preparing for marriage equality in the country.
“There is excitement not only among activists who have been advocating for marriage equality for over 20 years, but also among Thailand’s LGBTIQN+ people, who are looking forward to welcoming this law, which comes into effect on January 22, 2025. ” said Hua Bunya Pisompana prominent transgender activist.
“I also believe that marriage equality advocates and LGBTIQN+ activists are planning to celebrate and support the marriages of their fellow LGBTIQN+ community couples nationwide.” Mr Boonyapisomphang said. “I believe many couples will line up at their local registration office on the first day to be recorded as the first couple in their respective states.” Adding to this excitement, I believe that activists will We look forward to monitoring the issue and the impact of other laws related to the Marriage Equality Bill. However, we continue our work now, as it is time to celebrate love and equality for Thailand’s LGBTIQN+ community. You should forget that.”
Mr Boonyapisomphang expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to advocating for marriage equality in Thailand. She also pointed out that Thailand is not the “heaven” for LGBTQ people that many perceive it to be, and that achieving gender equality remains an important goal for activists even after the implementation of marriage equality. He emphasized that.
“We should now forget to continue our work, as it is time to celebrate love and equality for Thailand’s LGBTIQN+ community,” Boonyaphisompan said. “As activists, we stay focused on our goals and common values, seek new allies, and adapt our fighting methods to overcome struggles. When we fight for love, love There is no gender, and love can triumph over hate, fear, and violence.”
In a conversation with the Blade, Boonyapisompan said that even though she has participated in advocacy efforts in Congress, this progress is a sign of the legal gender recognition she and other trans activists have long advocated. He said he only hopes that new doors will open. Ten years.
“I hope the victory for equality goes beyond just marriage equality, as there are many other bills waiting to be introduced in the Thai parliament,” she said.
midnight poon cassette wattanaExecutive Director of Thailand’s APCOM Foundation, an NGO that advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTIQ communities across Asia, expressed excitement at the entry into force of this law. He said he expects to see many happy couples and community celebrations on January 22 and throughout the weekend.
“To celebrate this joyous occasion, APCOM will also host an event for LGBTQ couples to register their marriages at the Bang Rak District Office as part of the Thai Pride Working Group. It is the most popular district to submit. It is an auspicious name and will make your love life happy (Lak means love in Thai),” said Poonkasetwattana.
He further said that Bangkok Pride will hold an event at a shopping mall where 1,448 couples will officially register their marriages.
“Of course, we are very happy that Thailand is finally showing leadership and taking a step towards LGBTQI inclusion and ensuring that we have the same rights under the law.” said supporter Poonkasetwattana. “We are grateful to our community for continuing its advocacy momentum despite the many setbacks.” s
“Boys Love (BL) series is a genre of Thai TV shows and movies that are popular among LGBTQI and There is no denying that it has benefited financially from its reputation as a paradise.The series, which depicts romantic relationships between male characters, has recently gained immense popularity both in Thailand and abroad. With the passage of the Equality Act, it is time for Thailand to embrace and empower LGBTQI people as one of its proud soft powers. has arrived.”
Famous Nada Chaiyajit Thai LGBTQ rights activist Poonkasetwattana agreed, calling the law “groundbreaking.”
“The law has some shortcomings, such as retaining the dichotomous term ‘father/mother’ to describe parents, rather than the more inclusive ‘primary parent’ proposed by activists. , but it is still an important step forward,” Chaiyajit said. “The Marriage Equality Act legally recognizes and protects diverse families and ensures that LGBTIQAN+ individuals enjoy the same rights and dignity as heterosexual couples when it comes to marriage and establishing families. .”
Chaiyajit said the law could have a positive impact on the lives of millions of LGBTQ people in Thailand by increasing social acceptance, reducing discrimination and affirming fundamental human rights. Ta. He added that this would send a strong message that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment under the law, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics.
Chaiyajit noted that the work is not over yet and stressed the need for continued advocacy by activists and organizations.
She stressed the importance of pushing for further reforms, including adopting fully gender-neutral language on child care and ensuring that religious objections do not impede enforcement of the law.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
