In a significant move towards promoting equal rights, a bill seeking to amend the Civil and Commercial Code, widely recognized as the Marriage Equality Act, is poised for reintroduction in the government’s forthcoming agenda. This legislative proposal had initially made strides through preliminary stages under the previous administration, only to be shelved due to the 60-day submission deadline to Parliament and subsequent changes in government leadership.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced the government’s intent to reintroduce the Marriage Equality Act during the upcoming Cabinet meeting scheduled for next week. During recent high-level discussions, the agenda encompassed not only marriage equality but also considerations of gender recognition laws and the abolition of the sex trade.
The impetus behind this move for legislative change is not merely administrative, but it represents the culmination of efforts from legal representatives hailing from diverse public sectors and 36 social organizations. Collectively, they have called on the government to prioritize the swift consideration of this bill, with the ambitious goal of enacting it by Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love and inclusivity.
Government Spokesperson Chai Watcharong has provided further clarity by highlighting that the Marriage Equality Act will feature prominently in the Cabinet’s agenda set for October 31st. Additionally, it is poised to be the foremost item on the docket as the next legislative session commences in early December.
Zooming out to view this development in a broader context, Prime Minister Thavisin has affirmed the government’s unwavering support for Thailand’s bid to host the Bangkok World Pride event in 2028. This initiative seeks to bolster the country’s economy while signaling a growing trend of openness and acceptance, reflecting the nation’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
