Thailand recently passed a same-sex bill in a historic vote in its parliament, This makes it one of the very few nations in southeast Asia that has come this close to the legalization of same-sex marriage. They have set an excellent example for the proliferation of human rights for their geological peers. Southeast Asia is a typically conservative region of the world.
It has intense colorist and anti-black tendencies, as well as general homophobia. To be clear, the bill hasn’t passed through the government. It still needs to pass through the Senate and through the highest executive office. Even if it doesn’t pass through, this vote is still a solid step in the right direction and could lead to the expansion of queer rights.
Queer Rights are Human Rights
Queer rights are some of the most important human rights in the world. As a community, they face prejudice and discrimination in both structural forms and through violence. The legalization of gay marriage is a massive step towards the normalization of the queer community. Not only that, but this would take off a massive weight on the queer community.
Everyone deserves to marry who they love according to the liberal conception of human rights. As a nation that aspires towards neoliberal democracy, this is a great start for Thailand.
Queer Hope
For the queer people themselves, they may experience less discrimination. Currently, Thailand is looking more positively toward queer people, however, certain elements of society hold homophobic views.
“Data showed that Thai people are more accepting of LGBT people who are outside of their family than within. 53 percent of LGBT respondents reported verbal harassment, 16 percent have been sexually assaulted and 42 percent said they have pretended to be straight to be accepted at school, work or at home.” according to the United Nations.
Written by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources
TheGuardian: Thailand poised to legalise same-sex marriage after parliament passes bill by Michael Tatarski
UNDP: New study reveals favourable attitudes towards LGBT people in Thailand, but also persistent stigma, discrimination, violence and exclusion
CNN: Thailand’s lower house passes bill to legalize same-sex marriage By Kocha Olarn and Helen Regan
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of karendesuyo’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Adam Cohn’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
