HO CHI MINH CITY: The Vietnamese Health Ministry has called for same-sex marriage to be legalized, warning that research shows stigma against lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people can damage their physical and mental health. It is the latest move toward LGBT equality in the country, but activists remain tentative in their optimism that full gay rights will be made manifest in the country. For everyday LGBT people in the country, they are hopeful that change is coming and believe that changing attitudes in the country are making this possible, which has led to officials and agencies talking openly about changing existing laws to help battle anti-gay perceptions. “The times are changing and we really hope that the government and the people are ready and willing to let two people who love each other marry and spend our lives together," 24-year-old Tina told Bikyanews.com. Both of the women are out to their parents, which they say was a shock at first, but both their fathers and their mothers have been supportive over the past two years since they revealed their relationship. “My mom actually joked that ‘at least you won't have to deal with those crazy men and getting a husband'," Tina said, laughing at her mom's candor. And the Vietnam government appears ready to move forward on granting all Vietnamese, sexual orientation not withstanding, the right to marry whom they want. A senior minister said recently that the issue will see public consultation on the idea and could become legal in the country in the near future. In July, the country's justice ministry announced it “would be seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Marriage and Family Law including changes allowing for same-sex marriage," Gay News Network reported. The ministry added that it was looking at legal recognition as an increasing number of LGBT citizens in Vietnam are “being open about their relationships," and many hopeful that the government will allow them to legally wed in the Southeast Asian country. “To guarantee personal freedom, the marriage between same sex people needs to be recognized," the ministry said. In an online debate earlier this week, Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong said that although he thought it “unacceptable to create social prejudice against the homosexual community," the government would need to consider the customs and ethics as well as cultural and legal issues before allowing gay marriage. “Personally, I believe that the recognition or non-recognition of same sex marriage should be based on very basic research, the credible assessment of impact on many social and legal aspects such as personal freedom, compatibility with cultural and social practices of Vietnamese families, sensitivity, social consequences of the law," Cuong said on July 24. “The State should also have legal mechanisms to protect the legitimate rights such as legal personality, property ownership or children (if any) of same sex couple living together." Le Quang Binh, a sociologist who directs the non-profit Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment in Hanoi, commended Cuong's comments saying Vietnam could be soon seen as a regional leader on gay rights. “As far as I know, no Asian country allows same-sex marriages," Binh told Vietweek. “This idea has impressed my colleagues from other countries in the region who are very hopeful that Vietnam would be able to deliver on this." And for this couple, who steal kisses and dance ever-so-closely on the dance floor, they are hopeful that their love will be given as much weight as their straight friends. “It is a hope we have now that things are changing. We will line up to get married first as soon as the government gives us the go ahead," added Pho. BN
