Academic Seminar on "Marriage Equality for LGBT+ Couples: Past, Present, and Future"

          The issue of the rights of gender-diverse individuals has garnered increasing attention both nationally and internationally, especially in the area of marriage equality, which is recognized as a fundamental right reflecting social equality. This issue is a critical step toward eliminating discrimination and achieving gender equity. While Thailand has made significant progress in recognizing the rights of gender-diverse individuals, legal limitations still exist that fail to support same-sex marriages. These limitations affect various aspects, including rights in cohabitation, child custody, property management, and other legal protections afforded to heterosexual couples. This project seeks to provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, perspectives, and ideas by inviting distinguished experts from both domestic and international contexts. It also aims to promote the development of laws that uphold the rights of gender-diverse individuals in the future. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). These goals are vital for fostering a fair and equitable society for all.

        On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Department of Law, Faculty of Political Science and Law, Burapha University, under the leadership of  Dr. Chitaporn Pisolyabutra Tovisetkul, hosted an academic seminar titled “Marriage Equality for LGBT+ Couples: Past, Present, and Future”. 

The event was held in Room FSS-402, Faculty of Sports Science, Burapha University, and simultaneously conducted online via Zoom.

This seminar aimed to enhance understanding of family law and the legal rights of gender-diverse individuals concerning marriage, with a focus on amendments to provisions in Book 5 of the Civil and Commercial Code regarding family matters. The event sought to raise awareness about the importance of legal advancements that support the family rights of gender-diverse individuals, promoting equality in cohabitation comparable to that of men and women.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the seminar emphasized:

  • Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
  • Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

          The event featured esteemed speakers, including: 1. Mr. Kittinun Daramadhaj, President of Rainbow Sky Social Business Co., LTD., 2. Ms. Krit Chevathamanon, Member of Parliament, People’s Party., 3. Miss Daranee Saengnil, Khon Kaen University, Nong Khai Campus., 4. Ms. Khamphiou Vilayphone, Lecturer, National University of Laos., 5. Mr. Tanapat Lekkiatkhachorn, Burapha University.

          The seminar attracted over 300 participants, including administrators from the Faculty of Political Science and Law, faculty members from the Department of Law, students from the Bachelor of Laws program, and members of the general public.

Objectives of the Seminar                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       – To provide knowledge: Participants gained insights into family law, the rights of gender-diverse individuals regarding marriage, and amendments to relevant provisions in the Civil and Commercial Code.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           – To promote equality: The seminar fostered an understanding of the importance of achieving social equality and equitable cohabitation.                                                         – To support SDGs: The event highlighted the significance of legal and societal development to achieve the SDGs, particularly Goal 5 and Goal 16.                                 By facilitating discussions on the legal challenges and opportunities for gender-diverse individuals, this seminar played a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Outcomes

          1. Knowledge and Understanding Participants gained knowledge and understanding of family law and the rights of gender-diverse individuals, especially regarding the amendments to the provisions in Book 5 of the Civil and Commercial Code concerning family matters. 2. Awareness Raised awareness of the importance of developing laws to support the family rights of gender-diverse individuals and promote equality in society. 3. Networking Facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experiences among experts, participants, and relevant organizations at both national and international levels. 4. Support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) The project contributed to achieving SDG 5 and SDG 16 by fostering legal development and concepts that support equality and peaceful coexistence in society. 5. Policy Impact Provided actionable insights or recommendations that could be utilized to advocate for policies and legal development concerning marriage equality in the future. 6. Participation The project engaged over 300 participants, including administrators, faculty members, students, and the general public, reflecting strong interest and support for the issue of marriage equality in Thai society.

 

Project Leader: Dr. Chitaporn Pisolyabutra Tovisetkul, 

Faculty of Political Science and Law