A historic step forward, Thailand s draft Equal Marriage Bill was passed on first reading

Mondo Social Updated on 2024-01-31

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The four bills received overwhelming support at Thursday's House of Representatives session, with overwhelming support from the 371 lawmakers present with 360 votes in favor, just 10 against, and one abstention.

The debate focused on four bills related to same-sex marriage. The proposals were put forward by the Cabinet, the opposition Kadima and Democratic parties, as well as civil society groups.

Among the more than 50 MPs present at the debate segment, Kamolwongwat of the Move Forward Party said that the amendments to the law would provide same-sex couples with the rights they deserve based on human rights principles.

With tears in his eyes, he said: "Today is another historic day, a victory for the people. ”

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Meanwhile, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin called on every MP to support the bills, regardless of their political affiliation. He said the Cabinet's proposal reflects the Cabinet's commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, have an equal right to form a family.

Songsa also cited a ** survey conducted between October 31 and November 14, which showed 96Six percent of the public surveyed support these marriage affirmative action bills.

But the bills have been strongly opposed by some MPs, mainly Islamist politicians from the Prachachai party, which is based mainly in the Islamic community in southern Thailand.

Narathiwat MP Kamonsak Leewamoh of the Prachachai Party said he strictly adhered to the religious principle of strict separation between men and women. He suggested that consideration be given to excluding the implementation of the new law in the three southern regions where the majority of the population is Muslim.

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After all the bills were passed, Thai Prime Minister Srettha T**isin posted on his X account. "Today, we are finally on the path to closing the gap in equal rights for all!Congratulations to the LGBTQIA+ community on the passage of the First Reading of the Same-Sex Marriage Act. May love triumph in the end. ”

All four bills have received preliminary approval, which will be followed by a second and third readings, and a full review by a 39-member committee that has been formed. ** will serve as a framework for more in-depth study.

In accordance with Regulation No. 122 of the Chamber of Deputies, the members of the Commission will also include representatives from civil society, since one of the bills passed on first reading comes from the national public.

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The bill then needs to go through a three-reading process by senators and obtain royal consent before enactment.

If the Equal Marriage Law is successfully passed, Thailand will become the first country in ASEAN to recognize same-sex marriage, and the third country and region in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage after Taiwan and Nepal.

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In June last year, three equal marriage bills introduced by the Thai Move Forward Party, the Democratic Party and the former Prayut Chan-o-cha cabinet passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.

Although the committee reviewed all three bills during the second reading, former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha effectively scrapped the bill by dissolving the House of Representatives.

Prayuth's proposed bill, the Civil Partnership Act, has been largely criticized by Forward and human rights activists for being weak on human rights. Activists argue that current laws prevent LGBTQA+ people from enjoying the rights, privileges, and respect of other members of society, including welfare rights, especially those who do not fit into long-standing strict gender categories are discriminated against. In short, 100% equality has not been achieved.

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It is unclear how far these bills will progress through the approval process. However, Move Forward MP Thanyawat remained optimistic and stressed that "Thailand is on the verge of change" when debating the bill supporting his party.

Editor's note: Thailand's Marriage Equality Act has been proposed to written, submitted, rejected, reproposed, shelved, and re......-proposedAfter several years, back and forth. It is the increasingly open modern concept that meets the Thai people's unrelenting momentum, although now it is getting closer and closer to the goal, I have to pay tribute and congratulate the people who have been committed to it for so many years!

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There are 31 countries and regions where same-sex marriage has been codified: the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, Brazil, France, Uruguay, New Zealand, England, Wales, Scotland, Luxembourg, Mexico (some regions), the United States, Ireland, Colombia, Finland, Malta, Germany, Australia, Austria, Taiwan, Ecuador, Northern Ireland, Costa Rica, Chile, and Switzerland (in chronological order of legislation).

10 territories where same-sex marriage is codified: Mexico (26 states and cities), Danish Dominions (Greenland, Faroe Islands), British Overseas Territories (Pitcairn Islands, Gibraltar, St. Helena, Ascension Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Falkland Islands), British Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey, Alderney, Jersey, Sack), French Overseas Territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, French Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, New Caledonia), Dutch Overseas Territories (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba), Australian Overseas Territories (Cocos 'Keeling' Islands, Christmas Island, Norfolk Island), United States Overseas Territories (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, *Northern Mariana Islands), Spanish Overseas Autonomous Territories (Canary Islands, Melilla, Ceuta), Portuguese Overseas Autonomous Region (Madeira, Azores).

Same-sex marriages are not practiced locally, but 5 same-sex marriages legally concluded in other countries and regions are recognized: Israel, Mexico, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, Netherlands.

There are 14 civil unions in which same-sex marriages are not recognized: Andorra, Czech Republic, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Slovenia, San Marino, Monaco, Montenegro and Thailand.

There are 5 same-sex marriage partnership systems concluded in the country or abroad: Estonia, Armenia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, and the European Union.

Material**Thai media dailynews, etc. Produced by the editorial department of Siam Bird (Siambird) Infringement must be investigated.

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