Thailand Advances Marriage Equality but Needs More Progress for Trans Rights

Thailand Advances Marriage Equality but Needs More Progress for Trans Rights

Historic Passage of Marriage Equality Bill

This summer, Thailand made history by passing the Marriage Equality Bill, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill, approved on June 18, awaits the king’s signature and will take effect 120 days after passage. This legislation allows two “individuals” to register their marriage, granting them equal rights in adoption, social services, inheritance, and other legal benefits as heterosexual couples. This significant milestone also marks the first time a bill created by LGBTQ+ activists and civil society representatives has become law in Thailand. As members of the ad hoc committee that worked on this legislation, we feel immense joy knowing that the seeds planted nearly two decades ago have borne fruit.

Transmasculine Community Celebrates

At a recent workshop for the transmasculine community in Chiang Mai, hosted by TransEqual, there was a palpable sense of queer joy. A participant, identifying as a “Tom,” shared emotionally that he and his girlfriend had long desired to marry. With the new legal recognition, he plans to propose soon. His story is just one of many, highlighting the personal impact of this historic legislation.

Continuing Challenges for LGBTQ+ Rights

Despite this progress, significant challenges remain for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. Transgender activists point out the lack of access to gender-affirming care and reproductive technology for pregnancy as critical gaps. Although the new law uses gender-neutral terms to ensure equal rights for same-sex, transgender, and diverse couples, it does not address gender-neutral language regarding parenting.

Future Goals: Gender Recognition Act

The next crucial step is the passage of the Gender Recognition Act, which would allow transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals to update their identifying information on official documents to reflect their true gender identities and pronouns. The marriage equality law is a joyful first step, but further efforts are needed to ensure complete freedom and rights for all community members. Only then can Thailand truly become the paradise for queer people it is often perceived to be by outsiders.

Overcoming Past Struggles

Historically, Thailand’s liberal image, with its vibrant Pride parades and transgender beauty pageants, belied the harsh reality faced by queer Thais, who often endured harassment and lacked equal rights. LGBTQ+ tourists enjoyed more freedoms than local residents. However, the persistent efforts of activists have brought about change. In 2020, social and political protests reignited hope, leading to a more inclusive fight for civil liberties.

Collaborative Efforts Lead to Change

In December 2021, an online petition to bring the marriage law before Parliament garnered over 300,000 signatures. This widespread support culminated in the lower house of parliament passing four bills on marriage equality, each drafted by different political parties and civil society. Over two months, an ad hoc committee consolidated these drafts into one bill, which was overwhelmingly approved on June 18.

The Journey Ahead

While there is much excitement and pride in these achievements, the struggle for complete equality continues. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is no longer waiting to be recognized and protected by the government. The collective joy of this progress will ripple through the community and society at large. We are proud to help lead the way towards a more inclusive future.

Source : https://www.advocate.com/voices/thailand-laws-transgender