LGBT MPs given dress code leeway

LGBT MPs given dress code leeway

Future Forward party-list MP Tanwarin Sukkhapisit is one of the four party members asking the House of Representatives about parliamentary dress code stipulations. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)
Future Forward party-list MP Tanwarin Sukkhapisit is one of the four party members asking the House of Representatives about parliamentary dress code stipulations. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard)

The secretariat of the House of Representatives on Monday clarified that LGBT MPs will be given licence to present themselves as they see fit, as long as they are dressed smartly.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender politicians can dress as they please but the suits or dresses must be modest,” Sorasak Pienvej, secretary-general of the Lower House, said, referring to parliamentary regulations on clothing. However, the dress code at formal functions may be different, he added.

The announcement came in response to queries raised by four LGBT Future Forward politicians about parliamentary dress code stipulations.

The four FFP members who raised the issue are three party-list MPs — Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, Tunyawaj Kamonwongwat and Nateepat Kulsetthasith — and the MP for Chon Buri, Kawinnath Takey.

“The public may not have heard of all the LGBT MPs, but there are indeed a total of four of us in our party,” Ms Tanwarin said, adding that the group hopes that parliament would be prepared to modernise by allowing clothing that is not necessarily classified by gender. She said that, though it may not seem like a big deal, “We should have rights and freedom to wear dress in accordance with our LGBT identities”.

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