Marriage Equality – Artifex.News

Thailand moves closer to legalising same-sex unions as Parliament passes landmark bill

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:13:12 +0000

Thai LGBT community participates in Gay Freedom Day Parade in Bangkok. File.
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Thailand’s lower house of parliament on March 26 passed a marriage equality bill at the final reading, in a landmark step that moves the country closer to becoming the third territory in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

The bill now requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the king before it becomes law. It had the support of all of Thailand’s major parties and was passed by 400 of the 415 lawmakers present, with 10 voting against it.

“We did this for all Thai people to reduce disparity in society and start creating equality,” Danuphorn Punnakanta, chairman of the parliamentary committee on the draft bill, told lawmakers ahead of the reading.

“I want to invite you all to make history.”

The passing of the bill marks a significant step towards cementing Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s most liberal societies on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, with openness and free-wheeling attitudes coexisting with traditional, conservative Buddhist values.

Thailand has long been a draw for same-sex couples, with a vibrant LGBT social scene for locals and expatriates, and targeted campaigns to attract LGBT travellers.

The bill could take effect within 120 days of royal approval. Thailand would follow Taiwan and Nepal in becoming the first places in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

The legislation has been more than a decade in the making, with delays due to political upheaval and disagreement on what approaches to take and what should be included in the bill.

The Constitutional Court had in 2020 ruled Thailand’s current marriage law, which only recognises heterosexual couples, was constitutional, recommending legislation be expanded to ensure rights of other genders.

Parliament in December approved four different draft bills on same-sex marriage in the first reading and tasked a committee to consolidate those into a single draft.

Source link

Same-Sex Marriage In India Verdict, Gay Marriages: Choosing Life Partner Integral Part Of Life: Supreme Court’s Big Quotes

admin — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:40:11 +0000

Same-Sex Marriage: There are four separate judgements in the matter

New Delhi:
Same-Sex Marriage Verdict: The need to form part of family is a core part of the human trait and is important for self development, the Supreme Court said,

Top quotes from Supreme Court verdict on same-sex marriages

This court can’t make law. It can only interpret it and give effect to it.
Whether a change in the regime of the Special Marriage Act is for the Parliament to decide. This court must be careful to not enter into legislative domain.
Incorrect to state that marriage is a static and unchanging institution.
Our ability to feel love and connection with one another makes us feel human. We have an innate need to be seen and see. The need to share our emotions make us who we are. These relationships may take many forms, natal families, romantic relationships etc.
The need to form part of family is a core part of the human trait and is important for self development.
Choosing a life partner is an integral part of choosing one’s course of life. Some may regard this as the most important decision of their life. This right goes to the root of the right to life and liberty under Article 21.
The right to enter into union includes the right to choose one’s partner and the right to recognition of that union. A failure to recognise such associations will result in discrimination against queer couples.
All persons, including queer persons, have the right to judge the moral quality of their lives. The meaning of liberty is the ability to be who one wishes to be.
This court has recognized that queer persons cannot be discriminated upon. Material benefits and services flowing to heterosexual couples and denied to queer couples will be a violation of their fundamental right.
It cannot be assumed that unmarried couples are not serious about their relationship.
Right to enter into union cannot be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation.