Last week, the Cabinet endorsed a bill allowing partnership registration of same-sex unions, along with related legal amendments to ensure people of all genders to have most of, if not all, the same rights as married couples.
While this sound likes good news, it has sparked criticism. You see, the bill has been called out for stopping short from achieving true equality for it doesn't seem to afford non-traditional couples the same rights and welfare that traditional ones get. No mention of spouse benefits and tax exemption, for example. And the fact that non-traditional couples are referred to as civil partners. On the other hand, the Move Forward Party has put forth another proposal, which allows for more equality that is generally referred to as marriage equality. It seeks to amend Section 1448 of the Civil and Commercial Code to allow anyone to be legally wed, regardless of gender and open the concept of spouses to individuals instead of men and women and replace the words husband and wife with spouses so non-traditional couples can have the same rights, being equal in the eyes of the law.
It's quite a lot to wrap your head around and it'll be a while before the bill and the amendment goes to the floor for debate and things may be changed along the way. But since that doesn't stop people from debating over the issue, here are a few not-so-sound defences for keeping the word "spouse" between Somchai and Somying for your entertainment.
Non-traditional couples can't procreate. Why do they need to have the same rights?
Well, first of all, not all heterosexual couples have babies. Second, don't we already have enough people on this Earth? Third, if non-traditional couples want to adopt a child, don't you think they should be entitled to help and parental rights the government provides to any parents?
Non-traditional unions and homosexuals are affronts, according to my faith.
Last checked Thailand isn't under the rule of any particular religion. You have the right to practise what you believe and even voice your disapproval for non-traditional unions or families. But you do not have the right to impose your belief on others. Imagine if the law of Thailand is governed by the five precepts of Buddhism, there will be no alcohol or soapy massage parlours. Also, have you heard of separation of church and state?
They're asking for privileges.
They're asking to have access to the same rights and being treated the same way under the law. Whether they want to act on them or not, it's their choice.
You guys should be content with the Civil Partnership Bill. Marriage equality may be asking for too much.
To those who think the LGBTQI community should accept the civil partnership approach and not get their hopes up for marriage equality, I ask, "What's wrong with doing things right the first time?".
It's against the law of nature. Males and females get together to raise their young.
Please Goggle Roy and Silo.