The National Assembly Standing Committee’s Legislative Research Institute and the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment co-organised a seminar to discuss legal regulations and society’s view of being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

Dr. Dinh Xuan Thao, Head of the Legislative Research Institute said there are as many as 1.65 million homosexuals and bisexuals between the ages of 15 and 59 in Vietnam . Most of them experience discrimination, prejudice, even violence, and face disadvantages in education, employment, marriage and health opportunities.

According to Thao, the 1992 Constitution states that all citizens are equal, which means people cannot be discriminated against based on their gender or sexual orientation.

However, in reality there are still gaps in Vietnamese laws and policies that protect the human rights of the LGBT community.

The seminar discussed several issues, including basic concepts about LGBT; overview of the LGBT community in Vietnam ; trends and social impacts of same sex marriage; global trends and examples for Vietnam ; the current legal system and social views on the issues.

LGBT representatives in Vietnam also shared stories about the discrimination they face in daily life.

National Assembly members and experts suggested recommendations to adjust relevant laws that protect LGBT rights in Vietnam.-VNA