Thai Move Forward Party vows 100-day push for same-sex marriage bill

The leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) pledged to introduce a bill legalising same-sex marriage and promoting gender equality once the party forms a government.

In a recent Facebook post, MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat stated that the party’s marriage equality bill would be pushed for passage within 100 days of forming a government, as part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the coalition’s eight parties.

The joint policy platform, signed on May 22, includes a commitment to passing the marriage equality bill to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of gender. Limjaroenrat also highlighted several other policies, other than the same-sex marriage bill, aimed at promoting gender equality in Thai society, such as equal access to public services without discrimination based on gender, race, belief, education, age, or disabilities.

During a recent Pride Parade in central Bangkok, which attracted thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters, Pita reiterated his commitment to the cause. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MFP list-MP elect, tweeted that the bill would not only promote gender equality but also provide financial, tax, and inheritance benefits for the LGBTQ+ community reported Bangkok Post.

The marriage equality bill seeks to amend Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code, which currently defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The proposed amendment would make marriage laws applicable to any couple, regardless of gender. The bill passed its first reading in parliament in June last year but faced delays during its second reading due to other legislative priorities and cancellations of House meetings.

The bill’s deliberation was suspended further when the previous House’s final session ended on February 28. However, if the MFP forms the government, it may request the newly elected House to resume deliberation of the bill, according to observers.