Advocates are urging the government to expedite the adoption of a gender recognition law following the groundbreaking legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand. Speaking with passion and purpose, People’s Party MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Ethnic Groups, and LGBTI+, announced, “Gender recognition is our next mission.” This declaration was made during the Law Out Loud panel at the Bangkok Post Pride in Action forum, held at the vibrant Lido Connect in Siam Square on June 25.
During the panel, Tunyawaj highlighted a critical roadblock—the lack of understanding that persists among many regarding the vital importance of this topic. He expressed that while Parliament has broached the subject, it has often been dismissed, leaving those in the transgender community facing fundamental challenges. For instance, imagine a person at an immigration checkpoint—all documents display titles like Mr. or Miss that fail to align with their authentic gender identity. These mismatches create hurdles that are more than bureaucratic—they’re deeply personal. Though there are MPs forging ahead with the bill, the journey is predicted to be gradual, demanding collaboration among numerous agencies and comprehensive revisions of current regulations. The forum was a significant fixture in Pride Month celebrations, kicking off with Thailand’s grandest Pride Parade yet on June 1. The parade, bedazzling Bangkok with a 200-metre rainbow flag from the National Stadium to the Ratchaprasong intersection, was a resplendent testament to LGBTQI+ visibility and unity.
Despite these monumental strides, activists argue that the quest for comprehensive legal reforms is not over. Tunyawaj pointed to needless stipulations, such as requiring same-sex couples to be at least 25 years old to marry, and the prerequisite for transgender individuals to receive a psychiatrist’s endorsement for legal gender changes. These, he argued, are significant barriers to personal dignity and autonomy. In a call to action, he stressed the role of education: “We must ensure that children and young people are properly educated about LGBTQI+ issues and inclusivity. This is vital to bolster the implementation of the Anti-Discrimination Bill, essential for shielding LGBTQI+ individuals from unjust treatment.”
Meanwhile, Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, Director of the International Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice, shed light on the arduous journey toward legalizing same-sex marriage. She reminisced about the initial reactions—disbelief and ridicule—when her team first proposed the bill. Yet, its eventual enactment marked not just a legal triumph, but a societal shift of joy and acceptance. The Marriage Equality Act, effective from January 22 of this year, equalizes the rights of same-sex couples with their heterosexual counterparts. This includes adoption, property management and inheritance rights, divorce proceedings, access to state welfare if one partner is a civil servant, and eligibility for tax deductions. Despite these achievements, Nareeluc noted that social inclusion and awareness are ongoing efforts. The Ministry of Justice is working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education to launch nationwide campaigns to foster acceptance of LGBTQI+ communities.
Be First to Comment