JAKARTA - Members of Parliament in Thailand passed the first phase of four different bills (RUU) related to same-sex couples, while the same-sex couples community expressed criticism.
Thailand has one of the most open and visible lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in Asia, adding to its image of tolerance and appeal as a liberal holiday destination for foreign tourists.
But activists say Thai laws and institutions have not reflected changing social attitudes and still discriminate against LGBT people and same-sex couples.
The four drafts approved on Wednesday each seek to give same-sex couples nearly the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.
The Cabinet passed two weeks ago a law on same-sex civil partnerships. Another civil partnership bill from the Democratic Party was also approved.
The more liberal equal-marriage bill from the opposition Move Forward party was also passed, despite a whipping government attempt to overturn it.
The bill seeks to replace the term gender in existing laws and make marriage apply to everyone.
"This is a very good sign," said Chumaporn 'Waddao' Taengkliang, of the Rainbow Coalition for Equality in Marriage, referring to the approval of the bill.
"There should be the same standards for all genders, whether it's civil unions or marriage," he said.
Last year, the Constitutional Court ruled Thailand's current marriage law, which only recognizes heterosexual couples, was constitutional. However, the recommended law was extended to ensure the rights of the other sex.
The bill's passage follows last week's first official pride parade in Thailand, where thousands of people waved rainbow flags and called for liberal reforms.
Interestingly, Thai LGBT activists have criticized the two government-backed bills, arguing there is no need for a special law for same-sex couples. It just needs amendments to make existing laws more inclusive.
The four bills will be discussed by a 25-member committee, which will decide whether to send one of them, or a consolidated draft, to the House for two more readings, before the Senate then gets royal approval.
It is known, so far Taiwan is the only country in Asia that legalizes same-sex relations.
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