June 30th, 2007, 19:42
There is surprise today, all of a sudden, that a clause is approved defining gays, lesbians and transgendered persons as protected by the new constitution. Praise is due Natee Theerarojnapong who led the effort. I'm thinking Natee hopes to run for office someday and I wish him luck in that endeavor.
I feel slightly awkward as the clause comes approved (and reported here) the same day that a clause defining Buddhism as the State religion is again rejected. I certainly do not rejoice, and I hope something gets worked out for them by August.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06 ... 038184.php (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/30/headlines/headlines_30038184.php) (full article)
State religion rejected
CDA votes 66-9 against special status for Buddhism; approves recognition of rights of gays and transsexuals .
<snip>
The CDA yesterday also voted to include a clause to recognise homosexuals and transsexual individuals and assure they would "enjoy equal rights".
The assembly noted however that such recognition would not lead to sanctioning "homosexual consummation".
<snip>
Meanwhile, Natee Theerarojnapong, president of the Gay Political Group of Thailand, burst into tears on being told that the CDA had agreed to recognise the rights of gays and lesbians by stating in Article 30 of the charter that differences in "sexual identity" could not be grounds for discrimination.
"This is what we have fought for for decades," he said.
Natee said he believed that Sutthirat Simsiriwong's case had prompted the assembly to recognise gay rights [page 2].
"His case was concrete evidence that discrimination against gays does exist in this country," he said.
The CDA will continue deliberations on the draft constitution today and tomorrow.
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation
I feel slightly awkward as the clause comes approved (and reported here) the same day that a clause defining Buddhism as the State religion is again rejected. I certainly do not rejoice, and I hope something gets worked out for them by August.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06 ... 038184.php (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/30/headlines/headlines_30038184.php) (full article)
State religion rejected
CDA votes 66-9 against special status for Buddhism; approves recognition of rights of gays and transsexuals .
<snip>
The CDA yesterday also voted to include a clause to recognise homosexuals and transsexual individuals and assure they would "enjoy equal rights".
The assembly noted however that such recognition would not lead to sanctioning "homosexual consummation".
<snip>
Meanwhile, Natee Theerarojnapong, president of the Gay Political Group of Thailand, burst into tears on being told that the CDA had agreed to recognise the rights of gays and lesbians by stating in Article 30 of the charter that differences in "sexual identity" could not be grounds for discrimination.
"This is what we have fought for for decades," he said.
Natee said he believed that Sutthirat Simsiriwong's case had prompted the assembly to recognise gay rights [page 2].
"His case was concrete evidence that discrimination against gays does exist in this country," he said.
The CDA will continue deliberations on the draft constitution today and tomorrow.
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation