Thailand introduces landmark same-sex civil partnerships bill

Thailand’s government has introduced a bill to legalise same-sex civil partnerships.

The landmark move would make Thailand only the second country in Asia – after Taiwan – to officially recognise same-sex couples.

Last year, the highest court in Taiwan stated that restricting unions to heterosexual couples was unconstitutional, and ruled that same-sex marriage would automatically pass into law in May 2019 if Parliament doesn’t legalise it before then.

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thai gays march in an annual "Gay Pride" parade on Silom road downtown Bangkok, 21 November 2004. Thai transvestites and homosexuals joined the parade along with some western counterparts at the end of their week long celebrations. AFP PHOTO/ SAEED KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

(SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty)

And according to local publication The Nation, Thailand may beat Taiwan to that deadline.

The justice minister is set to present the final draft of the bill to the Cabinet for approval after a subcommittee is done with creating it, a source at the ministry’s Rights and Liberties Protection Department said.

It is expected to be passed before the next general election, which is set to be held in February 2019.

Related: Exclusive: Trans woman who faces ‘violence and rape’ in Thailand expected to be deported from the UK tonight

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Gays and Lesbians dressed in fancy costumes pose for a photo during the Bangkok Gay Festival 2000 in Bangkok, 05 November 2000. The Bangkok Gay Festival attracts Gays and Lesbians from around the world, joining in a colourful march to help stop AIDS. AFP PHOTO/Pornchai KITTIWONGSAKUL. (Photo credit should read PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty Images)

(PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/AFP/Getty)

Ratthanan Prapairat, 38, said he had been with his partner for more than 20 years, and that together, the two men have bought a house and run a clothing business.

Prapairat said he would register under the proposed law, adding: “It is a must-have that should have been in place years ago as it would be very helpful in protecting the rights of same-sex couples.

“Same-sex couples are no different from straight couples. We have accumulated a lot of assets and heritage together. This law will be great for us.”

After 50-year-old Vitaya Saeng-aroon’s partner was taken into hospital earlier this year, he didn’t know of his death until a relative let him know.

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND - JUNE 14: A man hands out gay pride flags during a candlelight vigil outside the United States Consulate on June 14, 2016 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 49 people were killed after a gunman opened fire on people in a gay nightclub in Orlando. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. (Photo by Taylor Weidman/Getty Images)

(Taylor Weidman/Getty)

Saeng-aroon said the legislative shift would give same-sex couples the right to have a say over their partner’s medical care, and to be present with them in the hospital.

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“I was not permitted to sign any document after he went into a coma,” he said. “I was not his relative, even though I had been taking care of him for over a year.

I had to wait for his brother from upcountry to show up. After a week in ICU, he passed away peacefully,” he added.

“I did not know about his death until his brother called me.”

BANGKOK, THAILAND: A member of Bangkok gay community march in an annual "Gay Pride" parade on Silom road downtown Bangkok, 21 November 2004. Thai transvestites and homosexuals joined the parade along with some western counterparts at the end of their week long celebrations. AFP PHOTO/ SAEED KHAN (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)

(SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty)

He said that the law would legitimise same-sex relationships, and the LGBT people in general.

“It’s not only about equality, but also about humanity,” said Saeng-aroon.

“Gay people need to be recognised as common couples in every supporting aspect. That will bring wider understanding towards the true meaning of diversity.”

Japanese actress Akane Sugimori (R) and her partner Ayaka Ichinose, both dressed in white, display their wedding rings at a press conference after their marriage ceremony in Tokyo on April 19, 2015. The lesbian couple held a symbolic wedding ceremony in Tokyo, as calls grow for Japan to legalise same-sex marriage. While their marriage will not be recognised under law, actresses Ichinose, 34, and Sugimori, 28 tied the knot in front of some 80 relatives and friends. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO (Photo credit should read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)

(YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty)

Earlier this month, Fukuoka became the second-biggest city in Japan to legally recognise same-sex partners.

The unions carry some of the same benefits as marriage, especially relating to housing and hospital visits.

The city of 1.5 million people, located on the northern coast of the island of Kyushu, was the seventh city or ward in the country to legalise same-sex partnerships.

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