It seems as if each day brings new challenges for the LGBTI community in Thailand. So what's new (or old) this month?
Concerning marriage equality, we're back debating the fine details of the differences between the civil partnership bill and Section 1448 of Civil and Commercial Code, aka the marriage law. The conversation has been going for a long time, but the nuts and bolts remain relatively unchanged. The bill -- despite not granting full rights and equality to same-sex couples -- is now with the Council of State. With its current momentum, it looks to be more achievable, even though fixing the marriage law would grant greater rights for same-sex couples.
Concerns have been raised that the draft bill is lacking in many respects, such as the right to adopt children and to receive state welfare benefits. What it does allow is for couples to manage assets together, and basically not much else. The state's reluctance to grant equality to the country's LGBTI population is downright depressing and disappointing.
Nevertheless, should it be viewed as a step forward? Or an inching crawl forward? Have we come to the point where any glimmer of progress should be viewed as a victory? Some will say so, arguing that even baby steps are better than nothing. Some may feel that Section 1448 is a bridge too far at this moment in time. Others will feel it is too sacred to make changes to.
Still, that didn't stop a working group that advocates for marriage equality from submitting an open letter to the minister of justice. The letter asks lawmakers to consider dropping the civil partnership bill altogether and instead focus on amending the existing marriage law to make it more gender neutral and inclusive. It is signed by the Foundation for SOGI Rights and Justice, the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, plus almost 80 other organisations and individuals.
Members of the LGBTI community and allies stand with the Future Forward Party. photo: Apichart Jinakul
With all this going on, there was also an effort to establish a separate standing committee to focus on working towards gender equality. The matter has been pushed forward by Tanwarin Sukkhapisit and other MPs from the Future Forward Party. The day before voting took place, the party called on politicians to honour their promises to support LGBTI rights made prior to the election. Representatives of the LGBTI community were presented with rainbow flags and signs to support the party and its cause.
Unfortunately, in a parliamentary vote last week, only 101 MPs voted in favour of establishing the committee, with 365 voting against and 13 abstaining. Such an overwhelming rejection sends a loud and clear message: underneath the veneer of a seemingly accepting society, the community is still a long way from achieving equality.
If we are looking for positives, the number of those in favour exceeded the number of FFP MPs. At least some other lawmakers recognise the importance of having a designated committee for this issue.
A tearful Tanwarin apologised to the press and public for the party's failure to get the vote to pass, while thanking those who did vote in favour. Fellow FFP MP Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat promised the party would continue working towards gender equality, adding that one of the primary issues they'll focus on is the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
Contact melalinm@bangkokpost.co.th for news and views of LGBTI.
MONTHLY SNIPPETS
Brazilian model and actress Valentina Sampaio, 22, became Victoria's Secret's first transgender model this month. She made her debut at São Paulo Fashion Week in 2016 before appearing on the cover of different international magazines. Prior to recruiting Sampaio, Victoria's Secret was under fire after its (now former) executive made a comment that there was no place for "transsexuals" in their fashion show.
Thai-born transgender beauty queen Eirin Tunheim participated in Miss Norway 2019, finishing third. She may not be going on to compete at Miss Universe, but her achievement is still an inspiration to many.
Coca-Cola's recent #Loveislove ad campaign in Hungary featured a same-sex couple. Photo: facebook.com/cocacolahu
Coca-Cola released ads in Hungary featuring images of same-sex couples as part of its "Love Is Love" campaign, which also features the slogan "zero sugar, zero prejudice". It was met with a fierce backlash from conservative politicians and activists who called for a boycott of the company's products. An online petition on Citizengo.org has seen over 40,000 signatures calling for the ads' removal. The ads can still be found on Coca-Cola's Hungarian Facebook page.
Filipina transgender star Kevin Balot was declared one of the Women of Influence by Cosmopolitan Philippines. She participated in several beauty pageants in her home country before winning big at the Pattaya-based Miss International Queen pageant in 2012. Balot was also chosen as one of the ambassadors of Pantene Philippines' #StrongerNow campaign last year in celebration of the strength, beauty and bravery of women.
