As of June 26, 2015, Twenty-three (23) countries have legalized same-sex marriage.

These are
the following: Argentina (2010), Belgium (2003), Brazil (2013), Canada (nationwide 2005),
Denmark (2012), Finland (eff. 2017) France (2013), Greenland (Oct. 2015) Iceland (2010),
Ireland (eff. TBD) Luxembourg (2015), Mexico (nationwide, eff. TBD) Netherlands (2001),
New Zealand (2013), Norway (2009), Portugal (2010), Slovenia (eff. TBD), South Africa (2006),
Spain (2005), Sweden (2009), Uruguay (2013), Untied Kingdom (England and Wales, 2014),
United States and territories (nationwide 2015).1
Though a cumulative number of countries are enacting same sex marriage, I believe that the
passage of the law regarding this matter is certain that it cannot be executed in the Philippines.
Allowing same sex marriage in the Philippines is leading to changing the Constitution. Articles 1
and 2 of the Family Code limited marriages in the Philippines between a man and woman, while
Articles 46(4) and 55(6) cited homosexuality and lesbianism as grounds for annulment and legal
separation.
An online poll conducted by INQUIRER.net showed that 41.2 percent of respondents, equivalent
to 9,100 out of 22,085 votes, answered I dont care on whether the Philippines should follow
suit. This was slightly higher than the 39.2 percent or 8,658 respondents who said that the
country should also legalize same-sex unions. Meanwhile, 19.59 percent 4,l327 of total votes
answered no.2
Personally, I dont consider same sex marriage nor favorable in the passage of a law in our
country. Marriage has always been a covenant between a man and a woman, which is by its
nature ordered toward the procreation and education of children and the unity and wellbeing of
the spouses.
The advocates of same sex marriage insinuate something utterly diverse. They propose the union
between two men or two women. This denies the self-evident biological, physiological, and
psychological differences between men and women, which find their complementarity in
marriage. It also denies the specific primary purpose of marriage: the perpetuation of the human
race and the raising of children.
First off, I'm not against the lesbian or gay people or what we call, homosexuals. Every Filipino
citizen has right to freedom of expression. As to same sex marriage, I believe it deteriorates the
sacredness of marriage and Philippines is a Christian nation hence churches will not sanction it.
But I don't mind if the government allows them to have civil marriage or legal partnership, as
I've said, they have rights too.
Should same sex marriage be legalized in the Philippines, the child will deny either a father or a
mother. It is in the childs best interests that he be raised under the influence of his natural father
and mother. This rule is confirmed by the evident difficulties faced by the many children who are
orphans or are raised by a single parent, a relative, or a foster parent. The unfortunate situation of
these children will be the norm for all children of a same-sex marriage. A child of a same-sex
marriage will always be deprived of either his natural mother or father. He will necessarily be
raised by one party, or worst none, who has no blood relationship with him. He will always be
deprived of either a mother or a father role model.
1. LGBTQ Nation, http://www.lgbtqnation.com/tag/gay-marriage/
2. Inquirer.Net, Yuji Vincent Gonzales, http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/703260/same-sex-marriage-in-ph-majority-offilipinos-dont-care
3. Gender Equality in Ireland, http://www.genderequality.ie/en/GE/Pages/WhatisGE
4. The Conversation, http://theconversation.com/gay-marriage-marriage-equality-whats-the-difference-46463

By legalizing same-sex marriage, Philippines will become an official and active promoter
globally. In the private sphere, objecting parents will see their children exposed more than ever
to this new morality, businesses offering wedding services will be forced to provide them for
same-sex unions, and rental property owners will have to agree to accept same-sex couples as
tenants.
In every situation where marriage affects society, the Philippines, as a Catholic country, will
expect Christians and all people of good will to betray their consciences by condoning, through
silence or act, an attack on the natural order and Christian morality.
This is the most important reason. Whenever one violates the natural moral order established by
God, one sins and offends God. Accordingly, anyone who professes to love God must be
opposed to it. Marriage is not the creature of any State. Rather, it was established by God in
Paradise for our first parents, Adam and Eve. As we read in the Book of Genesis: God created
man in His image; in the Divine image he created him; male and female He created them. God
blessed them, saying: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. (Gen. 1:28-29). The
same was taught by Our Savior Jesus Christ: From the beginning of the creation, God made
them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother; and shall cleave to
his wife. (Mark 10:6-7).
Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities
across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when
the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and
favoured.3
Equality is for all. Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals freedom
from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure ones
ability to contribute in the civil and political life of our country without discrimination or
repression.
Same-sex and opposite-sex marriages differ to the extent that the sex of the partners in the
marriage is different. But what is at stake is how significant sexual difference is in marriage and
in our society generally. Changes to the structure of sexual difference in marriage are, therefore,
significant for a societys gender ideals. Or, to put it another way, marriage equality is directly
linked to gender equality.
As numerous social research studies show, despite womens success in gaining formal equality in
most areas of society, inequality in the intimate citizenship of home and family persists.4
It is difficult to persuade people of the importance of sexual difference in marriage when popular
ideals of intimate relationships are characterized by equality rather than subordination. Each one
of us is entitled to pursue our own happiness, through enjoyment of rights with morals and
principles.

1. LGBTQ Nation, http://www.lgbtqnation.com/tag/gay-marriage/

2. Inquirer.Net, Yuji Vincent Gonzales, http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/703260/same-sex-marriage-in-ph-majority-offilipinos-dont-care
3. Gender Equality in Ireland, http://www.genderequality.ie/en/GE/Pages/WhatisGE
4. The Conversation, http://theconversation.com/gay-marriage-marriage-equality-whats-the-difference-46463