Transgender Activists in Thailand Propose Law to Protect their Rights
Transgender activists in Thailand last week proposed a new law to guarantee their rights.
They presented a proposal to the parliament speaker.
The activists, who plan to get 10,000 signatures in support of the law, want to recognized as the correct gender following gender affirmation surgery.
The proposed law covers their name and title, marriage rights, military conscription and being treated as their gender in correctional facilities.
The Transsexual Association of Thailand and The Life Inspired for Transsexuals Foundation led the campaign, according to The Nation.
‘Let the world see that Thailand is among the leaders when it comes to the rights and freedom for LGBTQI people,’ Yollada Suannok, president of the Transsexual Association of Thailand, said.
Well-known singer and LGBTI icon Jern Jern Boonsoongnern backed the petition.
Trans rights in Thailand
People often consider Thailand a haven for transgender individuals.
Transgender women are a visible part of society. But, they are often marginalized. Local law does not guarantee their rights.
In March, the country elected its first transgender member of the House of Representatives.
Filmmaker Tanwarin Sukkhapisit won a seat for the Future Forward Party (FFP).
Tanwarin Sukkhapisit decided to run for office with FFP after a five-year legal battle over a film Sukkhapisit made.
In the end, Thai censors removed a nude scene.
Meanwhile, trans woman Pauline Ngarmpring made history in these elections by running for Prime Minister.
Thailand also looks like it might become the second country in Asia to recognize same-sex partnerships.
But, activists have slammed a civil unions bill as failing to give LGBTI people equality.