The LGBTIQNA+ Civil Rights Network for Political Party Policy 2023, supported by 33 organizations, organized a panel discussion on the rights of their community on Wednesday.
The event provided a platform for the LGBT+ community to present issues related to inequality and propose policies to political parties.
The goal is to improve the rights of the community in six areas including law, health, education, employment, welfare and media.
Representatives from twelve political parties attended the discussion and here is a summary of what some of the parties have to say for the community:
Move Forward Party
Tunyawat Kamolwongwat, former MP for MFP, said the party will push for legislation to protect the rights of the community and guarantee their equality including laws to provide marriage equality and support diverse gender identities (e.g. ability to change legal title).
The party looks to legalize sex work by repealing the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act to provide protection and social benefits for sex workers under the labor laws.
They also aim to reform the healthcare system to achieve equality in all aspects.
Chart Pattana Kla Party
Voranai Vanijaka, an advisor to the leader of the party, pledged to push for legislation that guarantees marriage equality and enables all individuals to choose their legal title.
He emphasized the elimination of discrimination against LGBT+ people in the workplace.
The party aims to provide police officers with training on gender diversity to increase awareness and reduce discrimination towards sexual and gender minorities.
Chart Thai Pattana Party
Udomsak Srisutiwa, deputy secretary of the party, said the party support laws which ensure gender equality and the empowerment of LGBT+ people.
The party also aims to push for laws that guarantee marriage equality, recognize gender identity and eliminate gender-based discrimination.
Thai Sang Thai Party
Pakin Charoennonthasit, a member of the party, said the party was aware of the inequalities that LGBT+ people face.
The party aims to support the Marriage Equality Bill and they want to address employment discrimination against LGBT+ people.
The party also supports legislation that protects sex workers and gender-affirming healthcare.
Democrat Party
Tankhun Jitt-itsara, former MP for the party, said the party supports the Marriage Equality Bill and the Gender Identity Recognition Bill.
They want to amend the anti-discrimination law to provide greater coverage.
The party also plans to repeal the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act to improve the welfare of sex workers and reduce social stigmatization.
Pheu Thai Party
Chanan Yodhong, a member of the party, said the party will support the Marriage Equality Bill and paternity leave for same-sex couples.
The party also aims to provide coverage for gender-affirming care.
Bhumjaithai Party
Natt Mongkolnavin, a member of the party, said they will support the Marriage Equality Bill and gender recognition law.
Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party
Pongpol Yodmuangcharoen, a member of the party, said the party will support the addition of surrogacy for same-sex couples into the Civil Partnership Bill.
