Thailand Anti-Discrimination Bill set for Cabinet approval by April
The Department of Rights and Liberties Protection has announced that the government’s version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill is anticipated to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by April.
Somdech Poonnampao, head of the department’s legal division, stated that the bill’s drafting originated from a 2019 proposal by civil society groups. These organisations encouraged the Ministry of Justice to prepare the bill and seek input through public hearings from various sectors.
The bill aims to safeguard individuals from identity-based discrimination, including ethnicity, race, HIV status, gender and sexuality, disabilities, employment, legal and socioeconomic status, political affiliation, religion, educational background, or any political belief, as outlined in the Thai constitution.
It is expected that this legislation will help eliminate discrimination by government officials and provide support and assistance to those affected by discrimination.
Currently, there are five versions of this proposed law, drafted by different entities.
These include the government’s version from the Justice Ministry’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department, along with proposals from the Pen Tham Party, the Prachachart Party, the Pheu Thai Party, and the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination (MovED).
Somdech mentioned that the ministry plans to present its version for Cabinet approval in either March or April.
Suntorn Sukcha from MovED highlighted that the other four versions await the prime minister’s signature for submission to the Cabinet, as they involve the state budget. He urged the prime minister to facilitate the consideration of these alternative versions alongside the government bill, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, the United Nations has praised Thailand’s Equal Marriage Bill as a model of non-discrimination that other member states should follow, according to Michaela Friberg-Storey, the UN resident coordinator.
Speaking at the launch of the Flag of Love Across Thailand campaign at the United Nations Conference Centre on January 13, Friberg-Storey noted that Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage on January 23.
She highlighted Thailand’s journey towards equality as an inspiring example and commended the efforts invested in ensuring the bill’s acceptance, positioning Thailand as a global leader in inclusivity.
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