Gay, lesbian, transgender and transvestite groups in Thailand are campaigning for a clause in the new constitution giving official status to the "third sex," in an effort to end discrimination. Although Thailand appears very tolerant of homosexuality, with many openly gay celebrities and katoeys seen commonly throughout the country, Natee Teerarojjanapongs of the Thai Political Gay Group said the predominantly Buddhist nation remained deeply conservative at heart and still had many rules and regulations discriminating against non-heterosexuals. "Rome wasn't built in a day, and we hope the guarantee of rights for the third sex in the constitution will pave the way for amendments in other laws to give gays equal rights," the 50-year-old AIDS activist said.
Reuters