Thailand’s cabinet approves same-sex unions that would allow adoptions

Thailand’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that would offer same-sex unions several of the same benefits and standards as heterosexual marriages, including adopting children.

The bill dodges the term “marriage,” but does allow couples to adopt children and have dual ownership of property, according to The New York Times.

In order to become a law, the plan must pass through Parliament first.

“The Civil Partnership Bill is a milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all genders,” said Ratchada Dhnadirek, a deputy government spokeswoman. “This strengthens the families of people with sexual diversity and is appropriate for the present social circumstances.”

Stipulations to the rule include partnerships must be between two people who are at least 17, and at least one of the pair must be a Thai citizen.

Thailand, which still contains some elements of socially conservative policies in its dominant Buddhist culture, has amounted to one of the more accepting countries globally for LGBTQ+ people.

Many rural schools in Thailand offer transgender restrooms, and four transgender people were elected to Parliament in 2019.

Activists say the toughest obstacle for the plan was attaining approval by the Cabinet, which is said to be led by retired military generals and more traditional political elders.