PhnomPenhPost-Dec 5, 2023
In a move towards fostering dialogue and collaboration, members of the LGBT community in Cambodia have suggested the formation of a joint working group led by the government. This endeavor aims to foster discussions and collective efforts towards the development of marriage laws tailored to the needs of LGBT individuals.
The proposal emerged during a dialogue on December 4, wherein representatives from state institutions and stakeholders convened to discuss the progression of initiatives aimed at advancing the recognition of marriage law equality for same-sex couples in Cambodia. During his introductory address, Keo Remy, president of the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC), underscored a significant challenge facing Cambodia. He mentioned the persistent challenge in eliminating discrimination against LGBT individuals within their families and communities, attributing this challenge to the entrenched adherence to traditional culture among parents.
He said that despite encountering limited instances of discrimination, the advancement of LGBT rights has improved significantly. This positive shift is attributed to directives from both former and current Prime Ministers, extending to national and sub-national levels. Notably, supportive national policies from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs have also played a crucial role in this progress. As of December, 35 countries, covering 17 per cent of the world’s population (1.4 billion people), legally perform and recognize same-sex marriages. These nations’ experiences indicate that equality in marriage law positively influences family dynamics, reduces discrimination against the LGBT community and enhances social harmony, according to RoCK. Read more at: https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/lgbt-community-proposes-marital-equality-discussions
