The approval of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights would not affect wider society, but could ensure human rights for these people, said a local expert.

A wedding held by a same-sex couple, Pin Okio và Nel Fi, in HCM City in 2011 

Former National Assembly and Former Deputy Head of the National Assembly Committee for Culture, Education and Youth Nguyen Minh Thuyet said the biggest barrier for the recognition of LGBT’s rights is social preconceptions, not laws.

According to Mr. Thuyet, the recognition should be added into the national constitution, meanwhile, other laws such as Law on Gender Equality, Law on Marriage and Family and Civil Code should also consider issues related to this group.

Dr. Nguyen Thu Nam from the Institute of Health Policy and Strategy under the Ministry of Health said the same-sex marriage approval could help to ensure human rights and equality. She noted that, “To date, no evidence points at risks to children who are raised in same-sex marriage families.”

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly’s Justice Committee Le Thi Nga said rights and benefits of LGBT people are related to many legal documents which will be discussed by the National Assembly in the coming time.

Head of the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSEE) Le Quang Binh said, “It is the high time to recognise LGBT rights. They can be anyone, our friends, colleagues or our relatives.”

A survey by iSEE indicated that that 90% of Vietnamese people asked had open prejudice against homosexuals, yet 77% of those asked said that there should be protection for this group under the law, and 75% said that homosexual couples should be allowed to adopt children.

However, only 36% supported legalising same-sex marriage.