Cabinet approves same-sex marriage equality draft bill

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From Coconuts Bangkok

A newly drafted marriage-equality law was approved by the cabinet this afternoon. 

The new bill, which will go into consideration by the parliament this Thursday, will, hopefully, give LGBTQ couples the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples in an effort to allow diversity in Thailand, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Remember that civil union bill from the last government that would allow recognition same-sex civil partnerships? Yeah, this one kicks it up a notch. No more settling for the “not quite married” status quo. This time, it’s the real deal, with rings, cake, and maybe even a rooftop elopement overlooking the Chao Phraya (because why not?).

The civil union bill, which failed to get the OK from parliament as it was dissolved by former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ahead of the May elections, would have given the right for LGBTQ couples to adopt children, manage assets and inherit properties. It would not have given them the legality to marry.

Only two countries in Asia (Taiwan and Nepal) are currently giving marriage equality the green light, and globally, we’re looking at less than 40 countries. So, yeah, this could be a pretty big deal for Thailand and for LGBTQ rights in the region.

Parliament still needs to throw their thumbs up on Dec. 21.

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From The Nation

Drafts of a series of four bills that address issues of gender and propose marriage equality passed first reading in Parliament on Thursday, paving the way for Thailand to become the first country in ASEAN region to legalise same-sex marriage.

The four drafts garnered overwhelming support at the Thursday meeting of the House of Representatives with a vote of 360 in favour, only 10 votes opposed, and one abstention from the 371 lawmakers present.

The debate featured discussions on four bills related to same-sex marriage. These proposals were put forth by Cabinet, the opposition Move Forward and Democrat Parties, as well as civil society groups.

Among the more than 50 MPs who showed up for the debate component, Move Forward MP Thanyawat Kamolwongwat said that amending the law would afford same-sex couples the rights they deserved based on human rights principles.

With tears in his eyes, he said, “Today marks another historic day and is a triumph for the people.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin called on every parliamentarian to support the bills regardless of their political side. He said the one proposed by the cabinet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals have an equal right to form a family, irrespective of their gender.

Somsak also cited a government survey conducted between October 31 and November 14 which showed 96.6% of the polled public supported the bills.

With all four bills having passed an initial stamp of approval, they will undergo second and third readings, as well as being comprehensively examined by an already formed 39-member committee. The government’s bill will serve as the framework for this deeper dive.

The committee members will also incorporate representatives from civil society, as one of the bills that passed first reading is from the nation’s public, according to House Meeting Regulation No. 122.

The bills will then need to undergo a three-reading process by Senators, as well as attain royal assent before being enacted.