Long struggle ahead for LGBTQ+ rights
But the work to recognise LGBTQ+ rights does not stop here, say lawmakers and observers.
Three bills are in the pipeline awaiting a parliamentary reading, namely the Gender Recognition Bill, the Bill on Decriminalisation of Sex Work, and the Anti-Discrimination Bill, aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of other marginalised groups under the law.
PROGRESS AND REGRESS
Assist Prof Jaray Singkhowinta, dean of the Graduate School of Social Development and Management Strategy, National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), said the issue of LGBTQ+ rights has made progress, only to slip back again.
Greece, for example, legalised same-sex marriage in February 2024, nearly a year ahead of Thailand.
Countries like Singapore, Mauritius, Dominica, and Namibia have decriminalised same-sex sexual acts, while Germany and Ecuador have passed self-identification laws for gender recognition.
However, there are setbacks elsewhere. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed in Ghana, Mali, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Project 2025, initiated by the right-wing Washington DC-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation, attempts to virtually erase LGBTQ+ people from federal protections altogether, indicating potential federal-level rollbacks, said Asst Prof Jaray.
In the United Kingdom, Supreme Court decisions on the definition of "woman" have created legal complexities around transgender inclusion in women-only spaces and services, reflecting broader social debates about balancing transgender rights with sex-based protections.
He said the implications are profound: one-third of the world continues to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts, indicating persistent global divisions.
"This polarisation suggests that while some regions advance toward equality, others are actively moving backwards, resulting in vastly different rights depending on location and politics, highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation," he added.
WHAT COMPANIES CAN DO
Thailand's LGBTQ+ friendly reputation enhances its position as a tourism destination and attracts international investment from diversity-focused companies, he said.
There is a conservative opposition, he said, as LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are termed as "woke" rather than a universal human right.
By framing LGBTQ+ progress as Western cultural imperialism, a nationalist sentiment could be provoked -- an obstacle to future passing of related legislation.
Additionally, Thailand lacks comprehensive transgender rights legislation and anti-discrimination protection in employment and public services, he said.
Aitarnik Chitwiset, co-founder of Thai Intersex Rights, said bias persists in the business world, rooted in ignorance and an unwillingness to acknowledge new realities that Thailand's rainbow economy, referring to economic contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, is growing steadily.
"If Thailand succeeds in passing comprehensive gender equality legislation and enhancing safety and inclusion in urban spaces, the country has the potential to become a global hub for tourism and industries linked to the rainbow economy," she added.
Ms Aitarnik said the government could introduce tax incentives to companies that come up with initiatives that support LGBTQ+ rights.
Asst Prof Jaray from Nida said the private sector should contribute through inclusive workplace policies, responsible investment standards, and funding LGBTQ+ focused organisations and activities.
Companies can also create market incentives by prioritising businesses with LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers and destinations, he said.
Thailand could pursue an active role to protect LGBTQ+ rights internationally, such as through diplomatic means to enhance rights and campaigns or provide a safe haven for persecuted individuals, he said.
Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, the founder of TransTalents Consulting Group and the co-chair of InterPride Global Trans Task Force, said Thailand requires structural reform to ensure inclusive protection.
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Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Bangkok Post
Long struggle ahead for LGBTQ+ rights
Thailand enacted the Marriage Equality Bill on Jan 23 this year, making it the third country in Asia after Taiwan and Nepal to recognise same-sex marriage. But the work to recognise LGBTQ+ rights does not stop here, say lawmakers and observers. Three bills are in the pipeline awaiting a parliamentary reading, namely the Gender Recognition Bill, the Bill on Decriminalisation of Sex Work, and the Anti-Discrimination Bill, aimed at ensuring LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of other marginalised groups under the law. PROGRESS AND REGRESS Assist Prof Jaray Singkhowinta, dean of the Graduate School of Social Development and Management Strategy, National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), said the issue of LGBTQ+ rights has made progress, only to slip back again. Greece, for example, legalised same-sex marriage in February 2024, nearly a year ahead of Thailand. Countries like Singapore, Mauritius, Dominica, and Namibia have decriminalised same-sex sexual acts, while Germany and Ecuador have passed self-identification laws for gender recognition. However, there are setbacks elsewhere. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed in Ghana, Mali, Georgia and Bulgaria. Project 2025, initiated by the right-wing Washington DC-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation, attempts to virtually erase LGBTQ+ people from federal protections altogether, indicating potential federal-level rollbacks, said Asst Prof Jaray. In the United Kingdom, Supreme Court decisions on the definition of "woman" have created legal complexities around transgender inclusion in women-only spaces and services, reflecting broader social debates about balancing transgender rights with sex-based protections. He said the implications are profound: one-third of the world continues to criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts, indicating persistent global divisions. "This polarisation suggests that while some regions advance toward equality, others are actively moving backwards, resulting in vastly different rights depending on location and politics, highlighting the need for stronger international cooperation," he added. WHAT COMPANIES CAN DO Thailand's LGBTQ+ friendly reputation enhances its position as a tourism destination and attracts international investment from diversity-focused companies, he said. There is a conservative opposition, he said, as LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are termed as "woke" rather than a universal human right. By framing LGBTQ+ progress as Western cultural imperialism, a nationalist sentiment could be provoked -- an obstacle to future passing of related legislation. Additionally, Thailand lacks comprehensive transgender rights legislation and anti-discrimination protection in employment and public services, he said. Aitarnik Chitwiset, co-founder of Thai Intersex Rights, said bias persists in the business world, rooted in ignorance and an unwillingness to acknowledge new realities that Thailand's rainbow economy, referring to economic contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, is growing steadily. "If Thailand succeeds in passing comprehensive gender equality legislation and enhancing safety and inclusion in urban spaces, the country has the potential to become a global hub for tourism and industries linked to the rainbow economy," she added. Ms Aitarnik said the government could introduce tax incentives to companies that come up with initiatives that support LGBTQ+ rights. Asst Prof Jaray from Nida said the private sector should contribute through inclusive workplace policies, responsible investment standards, and funding LGBTQ+ focused organisations and activities. Companies can also create market incentives by prioritising businesses with LGBTQ+ friendly suppliers and destinations, he said. Thailand could pursue an active role to protect LGBTQ+ rights internationally, such as through diplomatic means to enhance rights and campaigns or provide a safe haven for persecuted individuals, he said. Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, the founder of TransTalents Consulting Group and the co-chair of InterPride Global Trans Task Force, said Thailand requires structural reform to ensure inclusive protection.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
In love, in law
Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom, director of the International Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Justice, spent more than 15 years working on the legalisation of same-sex marriage, which finally took effect early this year. She said, however, "it is just the first step to make everybody aware of equal rights". Nareeluc recounted that when the campaign for civil partnership started over a decade ago, people laughed at her, dismissing it as "impossible". At the time, there wasn't strong support for same-sex marriage legislation in society. Besides, a comparative study found that most countries take a step-by-step approach. Civil partnership would strategically pave the way for marriage equality. "But the greenlight [from the government] and strong voices from civil society make our life easier. We can now go ahead with marriage equality," she said during a panel discussion titled "Law Out Loud" organised as part of the Bangkok Post Pride 2025 which took place last week at Lido Connect, Siam Square. Same-sex marriage came to light when Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat of the now-defunct Move Forward Party proposed an amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code on June 18, 2020. An online public hearing saw over 45,000 participants -- the largest number in its history -- in three days. A month later, the government dusted off civil partnership, which dates back to 2013. A draft bill faced resistance from civil society and stalled under military rule. The House of Representatives approved those and two other versions in 2022 before they were dropped when parliament was dissolved to make way for the general election on May 14, 2023. Under the tenure of former PM Srettha Thavisin, same-sex marriage proposals were tabled for consideration. Lawmakers passed the Marriage Equality Bill -- a consolidation of four drafts -- on March 27 last year. People's Party MP Tunyawaj, vice-chair of the Committee on Children, Youth, Women, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Ethnic Group and LGBTIs, said "more steps must be taken", highlighting the need for gender recognition. Although the Marriage Equality Bill comes into use, the veneer of equality still belies misunderstanding of and discrimination against LGBTIs. "They are afraid that LGBTIs will change title and they can't distinguish. Some men ask me if they want to marry women and have babies, how will they know? I would like to say it [changing title] is an individual right," he said at the forum. Tunyawaj proposed a gender recognition draft bill, but it was turned down on Feb 21 last year. His bid is based on a debate over the right to change title, following a revelation that a bank had given a gender-neutral title -- Khun -- to a famous transgender celebrity while other transgenders did not have that privilege. Nareeluc said the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is working on gender recognition. There are three possible scenarios: self-determination, reservation for those who have sex reassignment surgery, and addition of X gender markers alongside M and F. "It is very controversial and has not come to conclusion yet," she said. The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, already submitted the government's version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill for cabinet approval earlier this year. Other drafts have been proposed by civil society and political parties. Following hate crimes against LGBTIs, a legal mechanism is also under review. Tunyawaj stressed the importance of human rights education to raise public awareness. He faced a threat of force while working on a marriage equality draft. There is also misunderstanding, for example, that LGBTIs should be 25 to get married or they should seek medical confirmation of their identity. "When I was little, I couldn't imagine creating a family like my brother and sister. People fall in love all the time. [Because of] human rights, we can choose people we want to live with. It is a basic thing," he said. Nareeluc added that more work needs to be done to bring about acceptance. "We are almost there, but not yet. We need more effort to raise awareness in society. We can see from news that there is still some discrimination on the ground." Tunyawaj said diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is being implemented to make society more inclusive. It should, however, involve everything in the supply chain rather than focus solely on the quota for LGBTI staff in the workplace. Nareeluc said DEI is included in the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Its collaboration with the private sector can improve diversity and inclusion in work environment. "Under the Gender Equality Act of 2015, a committee found that over 90% of complaints have been discrimination against LGBTIs in the workplace over the past decade. Promoting DEI can help create a more equal society," she said. Nareeluc said, however, there remains challenges. To implement LGBTI-related laws, effort must be put into consultation with religious groups. Official statistics of the LGBTI population is also crucial for allocation of budgets for LGBTI-related policies. And political will is needed for continued support for equal rights. Tunyawaj said the concept of gender equality is not included in the 20-year National Strategy (2018-2037). However, those who advocate for positive change are not in the upper echelons of power.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Bangkok Post
UK govt condemns 'death to the IDF' chants at Glastonbury
GLASTONBURY (UNITED KINGDOM) - A British punk-rap group faced growing criticism on Sunday for making anti-Israel remarks at the Glastonbury music festival that have sparked a police inquiry. Bob Vylan led crowds in chants of "Death, death to the IDF", a reference to the acronym for the Israeli military, during their set on Saturday. British police officers are also examining comments by the Irish rap trio Kneecap, whose members have likewise been highly critical of Israel and its military campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. One of Kneecap's members wore a T-shirt dedicated to the Palestine Action Group, which is about to be banned under UK terror laws. The UK government has "strongly condemned" Bob Vylan's chants, which festival organisers said had "very much crossed a line". "We are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence," the festival said in a statement. Avon and Somerset police said Saturday that video evidence would be assessed by officers "to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation". - 'Life is sacred' - The chants about Israel's military, condemned by the Israeli embassy in London, were led by Bob Vylan's frontman Bobby Vylan. They were broadcast live on the BBC, which airs coverage of Britain's most popular music festival. "I thought it's appalling, to be honest," Wes Streeting, the Labour's government's health secretary, said of the chants, adding that "all life is sacred". "I think the BBC and Glastonbury have got questions to answer about how we saw such a spectacle on our screens," he told Sky News. The Israel embassy said in a statement late Saturday that "it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival". But Streeting also took aim at the embassy, telling it to "get your own house in order". "I think there's a serious point there by the Israeli embassy. I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said, citing Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. A spokesperson for the BBC said Vylan's comments were "deeply offensive" and the broadcaster had "no plans" to make the performance available on its on-demand service. Festival-goer Joe McCabe, 31, told AFP that while he did not necessarily agree with Vylan's statement, "I certainly think the message of questioning what's going on there (in Gaza) is right." - 'A joke' - Kneecap, which has made headlines in recent months with its pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel stance, also led crowds in chanting abuse against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer and other politicians had said the band should not perform after its member Liam O'Hanna, known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence. He appeared in court this month accused of having displayed a Hezbollah flag while saying "Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah" after a video resurfaced of a London concert last year. The Iran-backed Lebanese force Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas are banned in the UK, and it is an offence to express support for them. O'Hanna has denied the charge and told the Guardian newspaper in an interview published Friday that "it was a joke -- we're playing characters". Kneecap regularly lead crowds in chants of "Free Palestine" during its concerts, and fans revere them for their anti-establishment stance and criticism of British imperialism, while detractors call them extremists. The group apologised this year after a 2023 video emerged appearing to show one singer calling for the death of British Conservative lawmakers. Israel began its offensive against Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza after the militants launched an attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,412 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable.
