TotallyOz Posted May 15, 2008 Posted May 15, 2008 California just became the 2nd state in the USA to allow same sex marriage with the Supreme Court for California overturning a ban passed in 2000. At least 2 states in the USA are moving in the right direction. In Thailand, I have heard many guys talk about a wedding ceremony for same sex couples. What does this entail? Also, are there any legal protections for partners? Quote
Guest zzrichard Posted May 15, 2008 Posted May 15, 2008 In Thailand, I have heard many guys talk about a wedding ceremony for same sex couples. What does this entail? Also, are there any legal protections for partners? hmmmm....I can't imagine how much alimony I would be paying out! Sorry...could not resist! Quote
Gaybutton Posted May 16, 2008 Posted May 16, 2008 Here are some excerpts from another old article of mine. As far as I know, the information is still the same: _____ Gay marriages are not legally recognized in Thailand, but many of the Buddhist wats will agree to perform the ceremony, and that ceremony is regarded as religiously valid. The decision as to whether to perform the religious ceremony is up to the Loong Paw. The Loong Paw is the head monk at the wat. Often, the Loong Paw is the oldest monk at the wat, but not necessarily so. The marriage is taken quite seriously by all concerned. This is a lifelong commitment made by the couple and, in the eyes of the Buddhist religion, the marriage is recognized and sacred. For the ceremony itself, a traditional costume is worn by both the 'bride' and the 'groom,' and there are plenty of places where the costumes can be rented. Your 'bride' will know where. If you want to have other guests in costume, that is up to you, but it is your financial responsibility. The rituals include preparing food for the monks who will be involved in the ceremony, giving ceremonial flowers to them, a few ritual items, such as candles and incense sticks, and putting money in an envelope to give to them. The local markets sell the traditional pots into which the food is placed. They also carry the flowers, food and other ritual items. The ceremony itself takes about twenty minutes. Nine monks perform the ceremony, including the Loong Paw. They will enter the wat and place themselves on the floor in front of the couple and invited participants. First the food, ceremonial items, and the money is given to each of the monks. Every participant is included in this ritual giving. The items are placed in front of each monk and the money is given, in a sealed envelope, and it is given with two hands. There will be bowing and ritual prayer chants. The Loong Paw will sprinkle the participants with water during the ceremony. The Loong Paw will tie white strings to the right wrists of the couple, to symbolize the binding together of the couple. During the ceremony the Loong Paw will give the couple a ceremonial bowl of water. The couple will exit the wat, pour the water over the roots of a tree, and say a prayer together. Then the couple will return to the wat and the ceremony continues. Final prayers are said, and the ceremony is finished. That also ends the involvement of the monks. At that point the participants simply leave the wat and nothing more is said to the monks. Now comes the wedding party, which can be held wherever you like. Everyone eats, liquor is served, and the participants will also tie white strings to the right wrist of the couple. A good time is had by all. Then everyone will leave, allowing the couple privacy following the ceremonies. Quote
Gaybutton Posted May 18, 2008 Posted May 18, 2008 Thanks GB. As always, full of great info. Well, some people out there say I'm full of something, anyway . . . Quote
