Parliament Approves Draft Equal Marriage Law in Initial Reading
BANGKOK (NNT) - The House of Representatives has passed the equal marriage law in its first reading with a majority vote of 369 to 10.
This groundbreaking law covers four draft bills. The key contents include provisions that marriage and engagement can only be undertaken when both parties are at least 17 years old.
A marriage is only considered complete upon registration with a registrar. In cases of engagement breach, the aggrieved party has the right to seek compensation, and if the engagement is broken, the engagement gifts must be returned.
Additionally, the aggrieved fianc?(e) may claim damages from a person who has sexual relations with their betrothed after the engagement. The law grants all couples, regardless of gender, equal rights in marital property, divorce proceedings, post-divorce asset management, and inheritance rights.
The equal marriage law will come into effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette. This period allows relevant agencies time to prepare for the law’s implementation.
The law mandates these agencies to assess the effectiveness of the law and review relevant legislation that defines the rights, duties, and legal status of spouses to ensure they are appropriately tailored to the gender identity of the couples. Amendments to the law must be proposed to the Cabinet within 180 days of its enforcement.
Following the House’s approval of the principle of all four draft bills, a special committee of 39 members will be established to jointly revise the content of these drafts before presenting them to the House of Representatives for consideration in the second and third readings, following the procedural steps.
Information and Source
Reporter : Na-ark Rojanasuvan
Rewriter : Thammarat Thadaphrom
National News Bureau : http://thainews.prd.go.th