The benefits that same-sex marriages Couples Deserve
Establishing legal recognition for same-sex couples, such as through marriage or civil union laws, creates a clear legal status and ensures access to the same rights enjoyed by opposite-sex couples. Here are some key legal benefits that would significantly improve equality and quality of life:
1. Joint Property Management
Same-sex couples would have the ability to jointly buy, sell, and manage property without the need for complex contracts. This simplifies asset management and ensures both parties have equal rights to property acquired during the relationship.
2. Medical Decision-Making Rights
With legal recognition, same-sex couples could represent each other in medical decisions when one partner is incapacitated. This includes granting consent for medical treatments, accessing health information, and visitation rights during hospitalization.
3. Inheritance Rights
Currently, same-sex couples in Thailand rely on wills to secure inheritance rights. With legal protection, such as a Civil Partnership Act, partners could inherit assets without additional fees or taxes, ensuring fair treatment and financial security.
Legal recognition is more than just a formality; it’s a step toward equality, dignity, and the protection of love and commitment in all its forms.
Financial and Tax Benefits
- Joint Tax Deductions
Legalizing same-sex marriage allows couples to file joint tax returns, which can reduce the tax burden for low- and middle-income families. - Employer Benefits Many companies offer benefits to spouses, such as health insurance, maternity leave, and parental leave. If same-sex civil partnerships or marriages are legally recognized, these benefits will cover same-sex couples just as much as oppositesex couples.
- Access to Credit and Joint Money Management
Legal marriage allows couples to apply for joint loans to buy a home, a car, or invest in a business.
Family Right
- Adoption
If same-sex marriage is legalized, same-sex couples will have the right to adopt as co-parents, which will provide legal security for the children they adopt. - Emergency Custody Rights
Same-sex marriage allows couples to make decisions about their children’s lives, such as education, healthcare, and legal protection.
Social and psychological benefits
- Reducing discrimination
Legalizing same-sex marriage will help reduce the prejudices that same-sex couples face in the workplace or educational institutions. - Family and social acceptance
A clear legal status helps build confidence in same-sex couples and promotes acceptance in families and communities. - Building an international image
Thailand has a reputation for being open to sexual diversity. Legalizing same-sex marriage will enhance the country’s reputation as a leader in human rights.