Thailand’s Parliament takes a Giant Leap Toward Same‑Sex Marriage
On June 15, lawmakers in Bangkok gave the green light to four bills that could make the country the second place in Asia to legalise same‑gender marriage after Taiwan.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
- Thailand already sports one of the most visible and downright vibrant LGBT scenes on the continent.
- Yet the laws haven’t really kept up with the social shift, still holding on to outdated rules that treat same‑sex couples differently.
- These new drafts aim to give same‑sex partners nearly identical rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples.
What the Bills Are About
There are four proposed laws that the House just passed in the first reading:
- Two cabinet‑backed civil‑partnership bills that would create a legal framework for couples of the same sex, mirroring the rights of opposite‑sex marriages.
- One extra civil‑partnership bill from the Democrat Party that also receives the nod.
- A more radical “equal marriage” bill from the opposition Move Forward Party, which slashes gendered phrasing from existing statutes and opens marriage to everyone.
Why It Matters
“It’s a great sign,” says Chumaporn Waddao Taengkliang of the Rainbow Coalition for Marriage Equality. “Everyone should have the same standard, whether it’s civil union or marriage.”
The Constitutional Court’s 2023 ruling confirmed that the current marriage law— which only recognises heterosexual couples—was constitutional, but it urged lawmakers to broaden protection for all genders.
From Pride Parade to Parliament
Just last week, Thailand hosted its first official pride parade. Thousands waved rainbow flags, calling for liberal reforms. The passage of these bills follows that momentous celebration.
What’s Next?
Now a 25‑member committee will scrutinise the four drafts. They’ll decide whether to push forward one or consolidate them into a single bill before another debate in the House, a second reading in the Senate, and finally, the royal assent.
Activists’ Take
Some activists argue that the law doesn’t need a separate “special” version for same‑sex couples. They want simple amendments to existing legislation to make it more inclusive.
Context in Asia
At present, only Taiwan has legalised same‑sex unions in Asia. Thailand’s move could set a bold precedent for the region.
