Recognition of same-sex unions in Bhutan

The Himal Southasian reported in November 2023 that "these two developments [the other being the crowning of Tashi Choden as Miss Bhutan in 2022] have encouraged [LGBT] Bhutanese, making them feel seen, recognised and included in a country where traditional values had earlier rendered them largely invisible.

The community now hopes to capitalise on the momentum of the last few years to campaign for marriage equality, legal gender recognition and other crucial protections.

"[5] Bhutanese laws do not provide for same-sex marriages or other form of relationship recognition such as civil unions or domestic partnerships.

When asked by a reporter in September 2022 if repealing the articles that criminalised same-sex sexual relations would be "only the first step", Prime Minister Lotay Tshering responded that "now, everything will be easier.

[11] MP Dorji Khandu was also vocal in support of the legalization of same-sex marriage during discussions on the bill decriminalizing homosexuality.