Love Wins In Asia As Same-Sex Marriage Gains Ground
In Bangkok, rainbow flags danced in the wind. Gay and lesbian couples walked hand in hand. They were celebrating a big win. Thailand’s Senate had just passed a marriage equality bill.
“When I was young, people said we couldn’t have a family or children. Marriage was impossible,” said Bangkok resident Pokpong Jitjaiyai to CNN. “Now I can freely say that I am gay.”
Pokpong can’t wait to marry his partner Watit Benjamonkolchai. The law still needs the king’s approval, but that’s expected soon. Then Thailand will be the first place in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriage. It will join Taiwan (2019) and Nepal (2022) as the only places in Asia with marriage equality.
But progress might slow down from here. “Not a lot of governments are moving as proactively as Thailand,” said Suen Yiu-tung, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
In nearby Myanmar and Malaysia, being gay is still illegal. Same goes for Sri Lanka, Brunei, Bangladesh, and parts of Indonesia. Penalties include jail time and even caning.
“Despite some wins, the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people across Asia continue to be denied,” said Nadia Rahman from Amnesty International.
So what helped Thailand, Nepal, and Taiwan make progress? Unique cultures and politics, experts say. Nepal has a liberal court system. Thailand and Taiwan have strong democracies and active LGBTQIA+ groups.
“The majority of people in Thailand want marriage equality,” said professor Kangwan Fongkaew. “It’s the victory of the people.”
Taiwan’s democratic system has also been key. “This kind of democratic practice creates the foundation of this progressive vibe,” said activist Jennifer Lu.
Other places to watch? Japan could be next to make moves. But change is slow in Asia. Traditional cultures and influential religious groups often hold back progress.
Still, love is winning. Slowly but surely, Asia is opening its heart to the LGBTQIA+ community. And that’s worth celebrating.
