Critics oppose new marriage equality bill
By: BB, 10.2; Wannagon, 10.2
Despite the constant bombardment of transgender stereotypes Thais tend to face on a regular basis, Thailand’s LGBTQ situation isn’t exactly as straight forward as it seems. Same sex relationships and marriage are unrecognized by the law, spousal benefits and tax reductions are inaccessible, and trans people have no rights to gender affirming care and recognition. To add insult to injury, the constitutional court had officially ruled that only a man and a woman can could register for marriage just a few years back in 2021.However, on December 21st, the lower house of Thailand’s Parliament began debating on a package of bills proposed; if passed, same-sex marriage will become legal in Thailand. The bills need to go through multiple readings and stages of approval before becoming law. When that will happen remains unclear.
Thailand passed the Gender Equality Act in 2015; parliament aimed to provide legal protection against gender-based discrimination, including unfair treatment of members of the LGBTQ community. However, the law still allowed for the justification of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals for religious or national security reasons. There is still no legal gender recognition allowing transgender and non-binary people to legally change their name or gender on official records.
Thailand is deeply rooted in Theravada Buddhism, with nearly 64 million followers, making it the second highest Buddhist population in the world. Critics argue this new bill could impact how traditional religious communities in the country, who make up the majority, could be affected. Although Buddhists make up nearly 95% of the population, they aren’t necessarily the majority in several provinces especially in southern separatist regions such as Yala, Narathiwat, Songkla, and Pattani who are predominantly Muslim oriented.
It also questions the risk of interfering with the country’s diplomatic relations in the region. As of now, Thailand is the only country close to achieving marriage equality in Southeast Asia, with only Taiwan legalizing marriage equality in the entirety of Asia. Several regional allies and ASEAN member states have been in opposition of marriage equality. In July 2023, a music festival was raided and shut down by Malaysian officials after 2 men kissed on stage, Singaporean parliaments blocked the progression of marriage equality bills, and Brunei remains one of 10 countries that have legalized death sentences as punishment for homosexuality.
Of course, one of the biggest criticisms faced by almost all sides of the political spectrum is the obvious risk of pink-washing. Many promises made by new elected officials have yet to be fulfilled or progressed.
Despite the widespread opposition and criticism the bill has received, it is important to consider that the vast majority of Thais are in favor of marriage equality, with close to 80% of the country being in favor of further equality for same sex couples. Regardless of what criticisms may arise, members of the LGBT community stand to lose the most from criticism headed for a bill ultimately intended to grant them a tiny step in the direction equal rights, recognition and support which as citizens, and as people, the community surely deserves.
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