Thailand continues to ban marriage for all

In Thailand, marriage for all remains prohibited

Thailand is actually considered neither particularly homophobic nor extremely queer-friendly. It is therefore all the more shocking and sobering that the country has now decided to maintain the ban on marriage for all. Accordingly, lesbians and gays are still not allowed to marry here. The corresponding decision was made by the Thai Constitutional Court.

The reasoning: the decision not to allow homosexual couples to marry would not stand in the way of equal treatment. Marriage must take place between a man and a woman.

What is the situation like for queers in Thailand?

As mentioned above, Thai law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman - thus excluding homosexual couples. In return, however, the country is one of the countries where it is perfectly legal to be gay or lesbian. Thus, since the mid-1950s, queers no longer have to hide from the law. However, this does not mean that they are not also exposed to the danger of homophobic attacks here, as in other countries around the world.

Plus: there is no state recognition of the corresponding partnerships. This would probably be an important step on the way to more equality and a rethinking in people's minds.

Many are not satisfied with the verdict in Thailand

The decision to continue not to recognize same-sex marriages in Thailand made waves. Many activists who are committed to the scene and the community in the country called for the decision to be reconsidered. The credo that was repeatedly emphasized in this context: the request to pay more attention to the equal rights of queers and to improve accordingly.

Whether the protests will ultimately lead to success remains to be seen. Normally, the decisions are considered to be quasi irrevocable - an aspect that has repeatedly led to discussions in the past. Accordingly, it's not surprising why the latest decision once again evokes such intense emotions, not only within the community, but also among people who can identify with the scene.

A look into the crystal ball...

Despite the actual irrevocability of the Constitutional Court's rulings, there is one detail that gives some hope that things might change for queers in Thailand in the future. Because: the country has long been considered a kind of "pioneer" when it comes to accepting gays and lesbians and considering them part of society.

Many community members in other countries on the continent are far worse off. However, there is also one country that is ahead of the game - at least with regard to marriage for all. In Taiwan, it is possible to marry as a gay or lesbian couple.

Could it be that the Constitutional Court will relent after all? At least the basic conditions are not too bad.

What impact do laws have on people's thinking?

Certainly, it would be a bit too broad to assume per se that a change in the law - for example, in the context of marriage for all - would ensure that a large proportion of critics would suddenly side with the community.

However, as soon as the state decides to take a step towards queers, it could well be that society will also be more open to the issue - after all, it will then be approved "from the official side" that same-sex couples who love each other are also allowed to be together. The psychological effect of such a blessing should certainly not be underestimated.

What time will bring in the case of the decision around marriage for all in Thailand remains to be seen.

 

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