Thai PM pledges fast-tracking marriage equality and transgender recognition laws

A pledge was made yesterday by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to accelerate the progress of three significant bills, inclusive of the marriage equality draft law. These proposed laws are scheduled for Cabinet deliberation next Tuesday before being forwarded to Parliament for further scrutiny.

The marriage equality bill seeks to revise the Civil and Commercial Code, enabling individuals of a suitable age to register their marriage, irrespective of gender. The current code only acknowledges marriage between a man and a woman.

Additionally, the second proposed law focuses on a recognition bill aimed at enabling transgender people to modify their official identity documents to reflect their gender accurately. The final legislation aims to decriminalise prostitution by amending the 1996 Act on illegal prostitution suppression and prevention.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke stated that the government, under the leadership of PM Srettha, is dedicated to getting all three laws passed. They are prepared to negotiate with all relevant organisations supporting these legislations.

This statement was made after a meeting chaired by the PM on the three bills, following a recent petition submitted by 36 civic groups campaigning for gender equality.

According to the spokesman, the Thai PM has guaranteed to prioritise these three bills in the House meeting agenda, with the expectation that deliberations will start by early December.

“The PM has assured us that the government supports and will push for marriage equality and other related laws. It now looks set to negotiate with all other organisations concerned in order to [literally] tear down the wall [of inequality].”

Furthermore, the 61 year old prime minister expressed his determination to ensure these bills successfully navigate through all House deliberations and are enacted as a law at once.

A notable concern highlighted by PM Srettha at yesterday’s meeting was the urgency to transition from conscription to voluntary recruitment. This change is crucial to prevent those who have changed their gender marker from female to male from facing compulsory conscription.

The Bangkok-born PM also communicated the government’s endorsement of a proposal to host the Bangkok World Pride 2028. This gesture showcases Thailand’s progressive mindset to the rest of the world while simultaneously boosting the economy, reported Bangkok Post.

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