Thailand has made a historic decision by becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality bill. This landmark move allows same-sex couples to legally marry, ensuring they have the same rights as any other couple.
According the the Bangkok Post, ‘The law will take effect 120 days after its publication on Tuesday in the Royal Gazette, enabling same-sex couples to begin legally registering their marriages on Jan 22, 2025.’
This is a moment of progress, love, and acceptance, and you may be wondering how to share this news with your child, especially since such a significant event requires thoughtful explanation.
Let’s break down the history behind this achievement and give you age-appropriate ways to talk to your child about what it means.
Understanding the History Behind Thailand’s Marriage Equality Bill
To understand the importance of this moment, we need to go back several years, even decades. Marriage equality, or the right for same-sex couples to marry, has been a long journey in many parts of the world. LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) individuals have historically faced discrimination and had fewer rights in various societies. They weren’t always able to marry the person they loved, adopt children, or even have legal protections that straight couples had.
In Thailand, people have generally been more accepting of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations than in many other places. Thai culture has shown respect for LGBTQ+ people, but despite this, same-sex couples couldn’t legally marry for many years.
It took persistent efforts by LGBTQ+ activists, community leaders, and allies to bring about real legal change. They worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone in Thailand, regardless of who they love, could be treated equally under the law. Finally, in 2023, their hard work paid off, and the marriage equality bill was passed, marking a monumental victory for the country and the LGBTQ+ community.
Explaining Marriage Equality to Your Child: Age-by-Age Suggestions
For Young Children (Ages 3-5)
At this age, kids are just beginning to understand the world around them, including relationships. When explaining Thailand’s marriage equality bill, keep it simple and focus on the concept of love.
How to Explain:
- “You know how Mommy and Daddy love each other and decided to get married? Some people love someone of the same gender, like two men or two women, and now in Thailand, they can also get married just like anyone else.”
- Use simple terms and emphasize the idea of love and fairness. At this stage, the key is helping your child understand that all people, no matter who they love, deserve the same opportunities.
For Elementary School Children (Ages 6-9)
By this age, children can start to grasp the idea of fairness and equality. You can explain more about the concept of rights and how this bill ensures that everyone has the same rights, no matter who they love.
How to Explain:
- “In Thailand, they passed a new law that says men can marry men, and women can marry women. This means everyone has the same rights to love and marry whoever they choose. It’s like how we believe everyone should be treated kindly and equally.”
- Talk about equality and fairness, comparing it to situations they may experience in their daily lives, like sharing with friends or making sure everyone gets a turn.
For Preteens (Ages 10-12)
Preteens are ready to handle more complex ideas and may already have some understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and relationships. At this stage, you can discuss the importance of human rights and how laws can change over time to make the world a fairer place.
How to Explain:
- “Thailand just passed a big law called a marriage equality bill, which means people of the same gender can get married. This is important because it recognizes that love and families come in all shapes and sizes, and everyone should be treated equally. Laws like this help protect people’s rights and make sure no one is treated unfairly because of who they love.”
- You can also discuss how this is part of a larger global movement for LGBTQ+ rights, and how different countries are at different stages in recognizing marriage equality.
For Teenagers (Ages 13 and Up)
Teenagers are often more aware of social issues and may have questions or opinions about LGBTQ+ rights. You can have a deeper conversation about the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has faced and the significance of Thailand’s marriage equality bill in a global context.
How to Explain:
- “Thailand has become the first country in Southeast Asia to pass a marriage equality bill, which is a major step for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s the result of years of activism and shows how societies can grow to be more inclusive and fair. It’s also important to recognize that this fight for equal rights continues in many parts of the world, but this victory is a reminder of how change is possible when people stand up for what’s right.”
- Encourage your teenager to think critically about human rights and equality. This is also a great opportunity to discuss global social justice movements and the power of activism.
Why Marriage Equality Matters
Whether you’re explaining it to a toddler or a teenager, one thing remains clear: marriage equality is about love, rights, and fairness. It’s important for children to understand that everyone, no matter who they love, deserves to be treated equally. In Thailand’s case, this new law means that same-sex couples can now build their lives together with the same legal protections and recognition as any other couple. This helps create a more inclusive society where everyone is valued.
As parents, teaching children about marriage equality also fosters empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. The more we normalize love in all its forms, the more inclusive and compassionate our future generation will become.
Additional Tips for Parents
- Use Books and Media: Children’s books and shows that feature LGBTQ+ families or diverse relationships can help kids understand these concepts in a way that’s relatable to them. You might choose to read books like “And Tango Makes Three” or watch shows with LGBTQ+ characters, like ‘The Modern Family‘, to reinforce the idea that love is love.
- Encourage Questions: Your child may have questions, and that’s perfectly okay. Answer them openly and honestly. If they don’t fully understand at first, that’s normal—these concepts will become clearer over time.
- Model Acceptance: As a parent, your actions speak volumes. Show acceptance and support for all kinds of families and relationships, and your child will likely mirror that behavior.
- Connect the Conversation to Their World: Try to relate the concept of equality to things your child already knows. If they’re familiar with friendships, you can explain how loving relationships are similar and should be respected no matter who they involve.
In celebrating Thailand’s marriage equality bill, we are celebrating love, acceptance, and equality for all. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your child, helping them understand the world’s progress toward a more inclusive future.
