What is the definition of marriage? Traditionally, it has been seen as a legal arrangement between a man and a woman to live together. However, in recent times, defining marriage has become more complex due to the issue of same-sex marriage.
Many people are advocating for same-sex marriage to be recognised legally in every country. This movement has become more organised and visible, with the LGBTQ+ community influencing many vital areas of global activism and becoming a robust organisational structure.
Thailand legalises same-sex marriage
Thailand has made history by passing a bill that confirms the right to same-sex marriage. The lower house has approved this bill, but to become a law, it must also be approved by the Senate.
According to high-ranking sources in Thailand, the Senate will approve the related bill before the end of 2024. If this happens, Thailand will become the only Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage.
A Beginning of Equality
Advocacy groups supporting same-sex marriage in Thailand believe that the recent legal move could mark the beginning of equality.
While it may not provide a definitive answer to all the issues, it is believed that the rights that every community has should also be afforded to the LGBTQ+ community.
Danuphon Punnakanta, Chairperson of Thailand’s Lower House Committee, presented the bill to Parliament to restore lost rights to the LGBTQ+ community.
During the parliamentary debate, 400 out of the 415 MPs present supported the bill. This indicates the strength and organisation of the country’s LGBTQ+ community, which played a significant role in the passage of this act.
A new definition of marriage
The recent enactment of a new law has significantly changed the definition of marriage.
The traditional definition of ‘between a man and a woman’ has been replaced with a more inclusive definition of a partnership formed between two people.
This change reflects a more modern and progressive approach toward marriage as an institution.
Furthermore, the new law ensures that same-sex married couples receive the same recognition and rights as heterosexual couples.
These rights include tax relief, property rights, and the ability to receive medical treatment when one’s spouse is suffering from physical or mental weakness.
This is a significant step towards equality and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to recognising same-sex marriages, the new law also grants same-sex couples the right to adopt children.
It is a significant milestone in recognition of the love and commitment of same-sex couples as well as their ability to provide a loving and caring family environment for children.
The same-sex community is now recognised as parents, which is a tremendous victory for inclusivity and equality in society.
The strength of Thailand’s gay community
Thailand is considered a country that offers the most freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. However, obtaining the right to same-sex marriage has been a long-standing battle for them. Despite this, many measures have been launched in the past to achieve this goal.
A recent survey has revealed that the demand for homosexual rights is high across all social groups, including high-ranking officials, students, and workers.
Some reports suggest that even particular institutions like the police have personnel representing the LGBTQ+ community. Thailand truly is a paradise for the gay community, but the fight for their rights continues.
Gay MP’s Statement
Thunyawaj Kamolwongwat is a member of the Thai Parliament who represents the opposition. He is a gay member of Parliament who has raised a strong voice for gay rights. While commenting on a relevant bill, he pointed out that it clarifies equality and that passing it was historic.
However, Thailand faces another issue related to this matter. There is currently no law in place that allows the transgender community to change their gender identity. Despite numerous requests and pressures for evolving gender identity, the country’s Parliament has been silent on this issue so far.
Gay rights and global activism
In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, recognising it as a fundamental human right. Similarly, Nepal saw its first same-sex marriage in November 2023, after the Supreme Court declared it a basic right. These landmark decisions have brought hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community in Asia.
India, Japan reject same-sex marriage
Recently, the Supreme Court of India rejected same-sex marriage, which was a massive disappointment for millions of Indians who were hoping for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
However, the court did acknowledge that same-sex couples deserved more legal rights and benefits and, therefore, accepted the proposal of the Indian government to appoint a committee for that purpose.
Despite this, the Indian gay community is determined to keep fighting for their rights.
On the other hand, Japan is also facing an intense struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Although a solid social opinion faves equal rights, the ruling party strongly opposes it.
Similarly, Singapore banned homosexuality in 2022 and has been working to amend its constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.
The situation in Europe
The situation regarding same-sex marriage in Europe is quite different than in other regions of the world. In Europe, same-sex marriage is recognised as a right.
Denmark was the first country to legally recognise same-sex engagement on October 1, 1989. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex marriages.
Currently, 13 European countries have legalised same-sex marriage: Belgium, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. Austria has also allowed same-sex marriages since 2019.
In 2015, Slovenia proposed to legalise same-sex marriages, but the proposal was rejected in a referendum. In 2014, Estonia legalised same-sex civil unions.
Romania, on the other hand, is actively enforcing constitutional laws that prohibit same-sex marriage. In 2015, the US Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage a legal right.
Latin America
In 2019, several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Costa Rica, legalised same-sex marriage. In Mexico, the law came into force due to the agreement of half of the 32 states.
Love is the foundation of same-sex marriage, regardless of gender. Personal preference matters more than anything else in this regard. Some people criticise same-sex marriage, claiming it is non-standard.
However, the gay community argues that personal will should be respected and that people should have the freedom to love who they choose. In private, if two individuals believe that their love is real, then it is not fair to argue against it.
