This story is from November 21, 2023

Thai marriage equality bill will go to parliament in December: Prime Minister

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced cabinet approval for a draft law on marriage equality, set to be presented in parliament during December's session. Despite Thailand having a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, activists argue that existing laws do not align with evolving social attitudes. If passed, Thailand would become the third Asian location, following Taiwan and Nepal, to recognize same-sex marriage.
Thai marriage equality bill will go to parliament in December: Prime Minister
Thailand's PM Srettha Thavisin said that cabinet has approved a draft law on marriage equality and that it would be brought to parliament during a session starting in December (Representative photo: IANS)
BANGKOK: Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Tuesday that cabinet has approved a draft law on marriage equality and that it would be brought to parliament during a session starting in December.
Thailand has one of Asia's most open and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, but many political activists say Thai laws and traditional institutions have yet to reflect changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples.

If the draft law is approved by parliament and receives royal assent, Thailand would become the third place in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal to recognise same-sex marriage.
Parliament last year debated four laws including civil unions for same-sex couples and marriage equality, but did not come to a final vote before the session ended.
The ruling Pheu Thai party and its rivals both campaigned ahead of this year's May elections on supporting marriage equality.
Srettha has also previously said he wants Thailand's capital Bangkok to host World Pride events in 2028.
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