Thailand moves closer to legalizing same-sex marriages | DW News

Summary

Thailand is on track to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, with a bill passed by the lower house of parliament. A lesbian couple, Arah and Harriet, who married in the UK, are hopeful for legal recognition and equal rights in their home country. While the bill promises progress, challenges remain, including legal ambiguities over parental rights and gendered terminology. Advocates emphasize that this is a crucial step, but more work is needed to ensure full LGBTQ+ rights and protections, as indirect discrimination persists despite Thailand's reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thailand is set to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after passing a bill in the lower house of parliament.
• 😀 Arah and Harriet, a lesbian couple, have been married in the UK for 7 years and are waiting to marry in their home country, Thailand.
• 😀 The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand will provide equal rights, including benefits like healthcare, parental support, and inheritance rights.
• 😀 Despite the advancements, current laws still leave same-sex couples without full recognition, such as one partner being the sole legal guardian and the other owning the home.
• 😀 The marriage equality bill has passed the lower house of parliament and is now awaiting Senate approval and royal assent to become law.
• 😀 Mapa Yang Pradon, a human rights advocate from Fortify Rights, believes the bill will pass and be signed into law, but stresses the ongoing struggle for full LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.
• 😀 The bill includes gender-neutral terms like 'individuals,' 'husband and wife,' and 'spouses,' but terms like 'mother' and 'father' need further revision to be fully inclusive.
• 😀 Thailand is considered one of Asia's most LGBTQ+-friendly countries, but LGBTQ+ individuals still face indirect discrimination despite relatively high societal tolerance.
• 😀 Arah and Harriet's case highlights the legal gray areas that same-sex couples still face in Thailand, particularly around parental rights and inheritance.
• 😀 The marriage equality bill's passage is seen as a crucial step towards broader LGBTQ+ rights reforms in Thailand, with potential for further legislation, like a gender recognition bill.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Marriage Equality Bill in Thailand?

The Marriage Equality Bill is a historic step towards legalizing same-sex marriage in Thailand, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. It aims to provide legal recognition and equal rights to same-sex couples, addressing issues like inheritance, parental rights, and access to benefits that heterosexual couples already enjoy.

What challenges does the lesbian couple, Arah and Harriet, face under current Thai laws?

Arah and Harriet face legal challenges such as Arah being the only legal guardian of their daughter and Harriet being the sole official owner of their home. They cannot share a mortgage due to the lack of legal recognition of their marriage, and if Harriet were to pass away, transferring property to Arah would incur high inheritance taxes.

What are the potential benefits of the Marriage Equality Bill once it becomes law?

Once passed, the Marriage Equality Bill would allow same-sex couples like Arah and Harriet to legally marry in Thailand, granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples, including easier access to benefits like healthcare, educational support, and legal rights concerning property ownership and inheritance.

Why is there concern regarding the legal terminology in the Marriage Equality Bill?

There is concern because the bill uses traditional gendered terms like 'mother' and 'father.' Advocates argue these terms should be replaced with gender-neutral words such as 'parents' to ensure full equality for same-sex couples in all legal contexts, including parenting and inheritance.

How does Thailand compare to other countries in Asia regarding LGBTQ+ rights?

Thailand is seen as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Asia, with laws banning discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. However, activists point out that despite this visible tolerance, indirect discrimination still exists, and full legal recognition and rights for LGBTQ+ people have not yet been achieved.

What is Mapa Yang Praon's role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Thailand?

Mapa Yang Praon is a human rights associate with Fortify Rights and an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. She has been involved in lobbying for the Marriage Equality Bill and other legislative changes that would grant broader protections and rights to LGBTQ+ people in Thailand.

What are some of the additional rights that LGBTQ+ advocates are pushing for beyond marriage equality?

LGBTQ+ advocates are pushing for further reforms, including gender recognition laws, parental rights, inheritance rights, and healthcare consent. These changes would ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals and families have the same legal and social rights as heterosexual couples.

How does the passage of the Marriage Equality Bill impact societal awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in Thailand?

The passage of the Marriage Equality Bill would raise further awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in Thai society, contributing to the recognition of LGBTQ+ individuals' rights. It would set a solid foundation for future advancements in legal protections and societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.

What is the next step after the Marriage Equality Bill passes the lower house of parliament?

After passing the lower house, the Marriage Equality Bill still needs to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the king. Once these steps are completed, the law will come into effect 120 days later, allowing same-sex couples to marry legally in Thailand.

What is the long-term goal of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Thailand?

The long-term goal of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in Thailand is to achieve full legal equality, including the elimination of indirect discrimination and the recognition of LGBTQ+ families in all aspects of society, including parenting, healthcare, inheritance, and social benefits.