Thailand Celebrates New Same-Sex Marriage Law With Mass Wedding
New York TimesJan 22
Thailand Same-Sex Marriage Law Takes Effect
story
Above: Thailand's Parliament building in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday, July 13, 2023. Image copyright: Valeria Mongelli/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples across Thailand registered their marriages on Thursday, as the country's Marriage Equality Act officially came into effect, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and only the third in Asia — after Taiwan and Nepal — to legalize same-sex marriage.
Mass wedding ceremonies occurred at various locations nationwide, including Bangkok's Siam Paragon shopping mall, with over 1.8K same-sex marriages registered by the end of the day.
The law replaces terms like "man," "woman," "husband," and "wife" with words such as "individual" and "spouse" in 70 sections of the Thai Civil Code, granting same-sex couples equal rights in marriage, inheritance, adoption, and medical decision-making.
The Spin
Left narrative
Thailand is a global beacon of progress, showing the rest of Southeast Asia that marriage equality is possible. Yet, the journey for full equality continues, as transgender rights, including legal gender recognition and anti-discrimination laws, are much-needed next steps. Only when all facets of the LGBTQ+ community enjoy comprehensive legal protections will the fight for equality be over.
Right narrative
While everyone must be treated with respect, Thailand must show caution in its approach to transgender issues, especially where it concerns children, who could face serious repercussions in the face of irreversible transgender procedures. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of young people and consider the long-term implications of such decisions, ensuring that policies are based on sound medical evidence rather than external pressures.
