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Thailand leads on same-sex unions, so why the LGBT complaints?
- Thailand is on the verge of becoming the first Asian country to recognise same-sex civil unions, but many LGBT activists see the move as entrenching their status as second-class citizens
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Thailand could become the first country in Asia to recognise same-sex civil unions under a law that is expected to be approved by the end of the year, but activists say the bill fails to grant them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
“We need LGBTIQ to be included and not [to have] a separate law that creates second-class citizens,” said activist Matcha Phorn-in, using the acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning.
Activists are demanding the bill be dropped and the Civil Code amended to allow anyone to marry regardless of gender.
“If [the bill] is not approved, it will be easier to make changes in the Civil Code [in the future],” said Matcha, who last week took part in Hong Kong Pride Parade to advocate for same-sex marriage in Thailand.
Despite its image as an LGBT-friendly country, Thailand provides limited protection for sexual minorities in law, not allowing transgender people to change their gender on their ID and other legal documents.
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