One Step Closer: Thailand’s Lower House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill (image-X/Reaproy)Considered to be one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries, Thailand has taken a step closer to legalising same-sex marriage. The lower house has passed a bill recognising same-sex marriage in the country; however, Senate approval and royal endorsement are still required to convert it into a law.
Passed by an overwhelming majority of 400 out of 415 votes, the law will describe marriage as a partnership between two individuals rather than between a man and a woman. During the session, a representative walked in carrying a huge pride flag in solidarity.
The proposed law includes using gender-neutral terms, removing references to “women,” “men,” “wives,” “husbands,” and other terms related to gender-specific roles. However, the proposition of using “parents” instead of “fathers and mothers” was rejected. The bill grants LGBTQ couples the right to adopt, inherit property, receive marital tax savings, and give medical treatment consent to incapacitated partners.
Despite Thailand having a huge transgender community, proposals allowing people to change their gender identity have been rejected by the parliament.
Based on expectations, the nation is set to make it a law by the end of the year. MP and chairman of the Parliament’s committee on marriage equality, Danuphorn Punnakanta, stated that this was a step towards the beginning of equality. He stated that the law sought to return the rights to the LGBTQ+ community and not grant them.
(1/2) BREAKING: The House of Representatives on March 27 passed the Same-Sex Marriage Bill to allow for same-sex marriage through its third reading by 400 votes against 10, 2 abstentions & 3 no vote. All will have the same rights, benefits & wefare. #Thailand #LGBT #lgbtqia pic.twitter.com/67XImVlO3k
— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) March 27, 2024
Laws prohibiting discrimination over sexual orientation and gender identity are already in place. However, the journey was not easy. Despite public support, previous attempts to legalise same-sex marriage have failed. Last year’s government survey revealed that 96.6 percent of people were in favour of the LGBTQ+ rights bill.
Thailand is considered to be one of South Asia’s safest LGBTQ havens. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019. Last year, Nepal followed suit by registering its first same-sex couple in November.
Although India provides limited legal recognition to same-sex couples in live-in relationships, the Supreme Court refused to recognise same-sex marriages. In a similar vein, Singapore scrapped a law banning gay sex in 2022 but also amended its constitution to ensure that marriage meant a union between a man and a woman.