Thailand edges closer to legalising same-sex unions

Lawmakers in Thailand yesterday passed at first reading four different bills on same-sex unions, moving a step closer to becoming the second territory in Asia to legalise same-gender marriages.

Thailand has one of Asia's most open and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities, adding to its image of tolerance and attraction as a liberal holiday destination for foreign tourists.

But activists say Thai laws and institutions have yet to reflect changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples.

Each of the four drafts approved yesterday seeks to provide same-sex partners with almost the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

The cabinet endorsed two last week that would create a same-sex civil partnership law. Another civil partnership bill from the Democrat Party was also approved.

A more liberal equal marriage bill from the opposition Move Forward party was also passed, despite efforts by government whips to vote it down. That draft seeks to replace gendered terms in existing laws and make marriage applicable to all people.

‘This is a very good sign’

Referring to the approval of the bills by the lawmakers, Rainbow Coalition for Marriage Equality spokesperson Chumaporn Waddao Taengkliang said: "This is a very good sign."

"There should be the same standard for all genders, whether it's a civil union or marriage."

Last year, the Thai Constitutional Court ruled that Thailand's current marriage law, which only recognises heterosexual couples, was constitutional but recommended legislation be expanded to ensure the rights of other genders.

The passage of the bills follows last week's first official pride parade in Thailand, where thousands waved rainbow flags and called for liberal reforms.

So far in Asia, only Taiwan has legalised same-sex unions.

Thai LGBT activists have criticised the two government-backed bills, arguing there is no need for a special law for same-sex couples, just amendments to make existing laws more inclusive.

The four bills will be deliberated by a 25-member committee, which will decide whether to send any of the bills, or a consolidated draft, to the Thai Parliament for two more readings, prior to the Senate and then royal approval.

- Reuters