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Thai lawmakers give initial approval to same-sex marriage
Thai lawmakers give initial approval to same-sex marriage
Agence France-Presse
Published Dec 22, 2023 09:51 AM PHT
People from the LGBT community take part in the Bangkok Pride Parade 2023 to celebrate pride month in Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2023. Thousands of Thai and foreigners took part in the parade on the main road of a major business district of Bangkok. The pride month is celebrated across the world annually in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising to raise awareness and promote sexual diversity equal rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. Narong Sangnak, EPA-EFE
BANGKOK — Thai lawmakers on Thursday gave initial approval to legalizing same-sex unions, moving the kingdom a step closer to marriage equality.
The legislation must pass through several more stages before becoming law, but if it is enacted, Thailand would be the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage.
The lower house of parliament voted through a first reading of plans to amend references to "men", "women", "husbands" and "wives" in the marriage law to gender-neutral terms.
The change would allow all Thais to marry without restrictions on sex or gender, as well as conferring adoption and inheritance rights.
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"This law would reflect the government's agenda to improve human rights... so that everyone will have the right to build a family without any limitation," Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin told lawmakers.
During the debate, some MPs adorned their seats and desks with rainbow flags.
Lawmakers backed the plans by 360 votes to 10, and the proposals will now go before a committee to be scrutinized in detail before a second vote.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed the vote on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
"We are finally on the road to bridging the gap to equal rights for all today!" he posted.
"Congratulations to the LGBTQIA+ community for the Same-Sex Marriage Bill passing its first reading. May love finally triumph."
Similar proposals were given initial approval by parliament in 2022, but the law progressed no further because the house was dissolved for a general election.
Chawinroj Terapachalaphon, an LGBTQ+ lawyer told AFP that marriage equality would benefit all.
"For those who are against it, I would like to say that it won't undermine your rights. It would only make our country even more livable," Chawinroj said.
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