Opinion split on civil union bill

A draft bill on civil partnerships for samesex couples drew mixed reactions from people who attended the public hearing on the proposed legislation in Bangkok yesterday.

It was the first public hearing on the bill, aimed at recognising partnership status for same-sex couples.

Nareeluck Phaechaiphum, director of the International Human Rights Division, under the Justice Ministry’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD), said the opinions from the hearing could be divided into three categories.

The first were those who agreed with the draft bill, saying such a law should have already been rolled out, she said.

The second were those who disagreed with it, on the basis that they would not accept any legislation rolled out by the military government. The third were people who disapproved of the bill, indicating they want to see the same rights awarded as married couples.

According to Ms Nareeluck, the RLPD explained that although the ultimate goal of the bill is to pave the way to legalising marriage for same-sex couples, a step-bystep approach is required.

During this period, relevant agencies need to adjust and amend related laws, while efforts must be made to increase public awareness on the matter, she said.

Ms Nareeluck said leading religious figures do not disapprove of the bill, but they said they would not conduct religious rites at weddings of same-sex couples.

Assistant to the Justice Minister, Pongsatorn Satjacholapund, said the government will strive to ensure members of the LGBT community have their partnership rights recognised.

Four other hearings will be held in Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Songkhla and Khon Kaen, he said.

The input drawn from the hearings, as well as opinions posted on the RLPD’s website will be taken into consideration, and the bill is likely to be presented to the cabinet by next month, Mr Pongsatorn said.

Vitit Mantraporn, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said the LGBT community should be afforded the right to have a family without discrimination.

Similar civil partnership bills have been rolled out in many countries, he said.

“If the draft bill makes it to the cabinet, this would be a huge leap forward,” he said.

However, the draft still does not touch on adoption, taxes and social welfare, and legal development, he noted.