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Thai Cabinet Endorses Bill to Grant Same-Sex Couples Equal Legal Rights
The Thai Cabinet has recently approved a bill that grants same-sex marriage rights in Thailand. This marks a significant departure from the current Life Partnership Act, which only recognizes the right of same-sex couples to cohabitate but does not provide them with all the legal benefits and privileges of marriage.
Key Takeaways
- The Thai Cabinet has approved a bill to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, granting same-sex couples equal legal rights in marriage.
- The amendment aims to replace gender-specific terms in the civil code with gender-neutral ones, allowing for marriages between same-sex couples.
- The change signifies a significant shift from the existing Life Partnership Act and will ensure that same-sex couples have the same legal protections and privileges as heterosexual couples.
Thailand’s Progress in LGBTQ Equality: Proposed Marriage Rights Bill
The Thai Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Civil and Commercial Code to provide same-sex couples with equal legal rights in marriage. This progressive initiative, put forward by the Justice Ministry, aims to replace gender-specific terms in the code with gender-neutral language.
This amendment paves the way for marriages between same-sex couples, ensuring they are afforded the same legal protections and privileges as heterosexual couples. The revised terms will include “persons”, “fiancées,”, “engaged couples”, and “married couples”, allowing for marriages irrespective of gender.
Thailand is aiming to become a top LGBTQ tourism destination, capitalizing on the growing number of LGBTQ travelers globally. The country already attracts a significant number of LGBTQ tourists, generating $6.5 billion in revenue in 2019 alone.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has been actively promoting the country as an LGBTQ-friendly destination through campaigns and events. However, there is still a need for better understanding and treatment of LGBTQ individuals in the tourism industry.
Advocates are calling for legal reforms, including same-sex marriage and gender recognition, to further enhance Thailand’s appeal as a welcoming and inclusive destination.
A Significant Shift from Existing Life Partnership Act
The amendment marks a significant shift from the existing Life Partnership Act, which only acknowledges the right of same-sex couples to live together but does not extend full marital rights to them. Moreover, the Cabinet has instructed the Council of State to review other laws to ensure equitable treatment of same-sex couples, particularly in regards to inheritance rights. The Council of State is currently reviewing the bill, and once complete, it will be presented to the House for further consideration.
What are the Next Steps in the Legislative Process?
The bill’s approval by the Cabinet represents a step forward in the fight for equal rights for same-sex couples in Thailand. The next steps in the legislative process are for the Council of State to finalize its review of the bill and for it to be presented to the House for deliberation. If passed, the bill will bring about a significant legal reform in Thailand, promoting equality and equal treatment for all couples, regardless of gender.
Source : National News Bureau of Thailand
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