Thailand To Become First Southeast Asian Country To Legalise Same-Sex Unions

Thailand would make history by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to permit same-sex unions, as a Cabinet-approved bill heads to parliaments for legalisation.

Although the bill not endorse same-sex marriages, it does allow same-sex couples to adopt children and to merge finances.

Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokesperson, said it was a “milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all genders.

“The Civil Partnership Bill is an important step for Thai society in promoting equal rights and supporting the rights of same-sex couples to build families and live as partners,” she said in a Facebook post.

Some within the LGBTQ community say the bill doesn't go far enough as a civil partnership is not marriage.

“The civil partnerships bill isn't a milestone for gender equality in Thailand, instead it's an obstacle to reach marriage for all,” said Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, 23-year-old LGBTQ activist and Secretary-General of progressive youth organization Free Youth.

Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, filmmaker and first trans member of parliament under the Move Forward Party (MFP), said not included in the bill is entitlements to spousal benefits such as tax exemptions and social security benefits, and medical rights.

“Why not just call everyone, both traditional and non-traditional couples, as married partners, why does a special term have to be assigned to LGBT as 'civil partner’,” Tanwarin said. “This is another form of discrimination in disguise,” Tanwarin added. “We don't want anything special we just want to be treated like others.”

As ‘CNN’ reports, the draft bill still needs to go through a public hearing and the House of Representatives will debate and vote on it. If it passes the bill will go to the Senate for another vote, a process that could take months.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Trans Rights Groups Join Forces in Thailand For Proposed New Bill

First Trans Women Runs For Prime Minister of Thailand

Thailand begins actions on legalising same-sex civil partnerships

New study finds LGBT+ employees in Asia face greater discrimination

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