Karl Hadrian Manuel

Grade 12 ABM Jacinth

UNACCEPTED SAME SEX MARRIAGE IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT

The only thing that matters in marriage is love; it is a thing that joints between two people.

Traditionally in the Philippines, marriage is clearly described as a religious and legal commitment

between man and a woman, as well as ultimate expression of love. On the other hand, Homosexual

marriage is a marriage between two persons of the same sex. Homosexual relationships are increasing

yet this issue is still not accepted in the Philippine context, in line with this “Gender Inequality” is raising.

Many people thinks that homosexual relationship is wrong and bad lifestyle, they oppose same sex

marriage which makes the homosexual couple hurt and feel violated. We are now living in the 21st

century and I believe that change is inevitable; we must accept changes especially changes in our

society. Same sex marriage is one of those social change in our society, I think that is it now the time

that we must accept same sex marriage and help to lessen the gender inequality here in our country.

Same sex marriage is also known as “Gay Marriage” or “Marriage Equality”, is a marriage

between people whose in the same sex, either as secular civil ceremony or in a religious setting. The

same sex marriage is now legalized and recognized by the following countries: Argentina, Brazil,

Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,

Netherland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Uruguay, United Kingdom and

United States.

The recognition of same sex marriage is political and social issue and also a religious issue in

many countries, just like in our country. Debates are continuously arising whether same sex relationship

should be allowed marriage or some similar status. The Philippines does not recognized and offer same
sex marriage, civil unions or domestic partnership benefits. Since 2006, three anti-same sex marriage

bills have been introduced and are pending before the senate and congress.

According to the Rappler, a poll/survey was conducted in May about agreeing or disagreeing

about the same sex marriage in the Philippines. Up to 70% of the respondents said that they “Strongly

Disagree” with the same sex marriage being allowed in the predominantly Christian country. A small 4%

said that they “Strong Agree” in the same sex marriage. The rest of the respondents were 14%

“Disagree” and 12% are “Agree”. Based on the survey that was conducted, Philippines is not open for

the same sex marriage.

The Philippines has been ranked one of the most gay-friendly nations in the world and most gay-

friendly country in Asia. The survey “The Global Divide on Homosexuality” that was conducted by US-

based pew research centers shows that 73% of Adult Filipinos agreed that “Homosexuality should be

accepted by society”. Same sex relationship is increasingly gaining acceptance, however same sex

marriage is till banned.

One of the possible reasons why people are against in the same sex marriage because it

weakens the definition and respect for the institution of marriage. Many people thinks that same-sex

relationship are not biologically natural, and it would weaken the traditionally family values essential to

our society.

However, Same sex relationship and same sex marriage doesn’t hurt society or anyone

particularly. In fact, they are the one who are being discriminated. Therefore, denying same sex

marriage is a form of minority discrimination. Legalizing same sex marriage will be a big help to the

orphanages since same-sex couples are not able to produce their own children, which would probably

brought them to adopting orphans.

 And on the other hand, LGBT people have a big role in our economic development. LGBT people

are associated with the economic development and well-being for the country. As we can observe in our

society, there are many LGBT people became Class Valedictorian, Office and Business Managers, TV-

Host and Actors because they are gifted for being active and good in communicating, LGBT people tend

to be smart and become professionals. Studies have shown that LGBT community into the economic

system yield and contribute a higher income for the country.

Same sex marriage should be legalized and recognized nationwide, I believe that the only thing

that matters in marriage is love, whether that love is between a man and a woman, a man and man, a

woman and a woman. The benefits that apply in a man-woman marriage should apply to the same sex

marriage.

Maybe today, same-sex marriage is still not accepted in the Philippine context but I hope that

someday same-sex couples are allowed to have marriage and they are happy to live in a society that

same-sex marriage is accepted and free from discrimination.

As of now, in able to lessen gender inequality, we must respect the homosexual couples and

accept that they are also human and they have feelings, feelings that are being discriminated, hurt and

violated. Respect and accept, two words that would changes our society for a better future.