This document discusses same-sex marriage in the Philippines. It provides context that same-sex marriage is still an issue being debated in the predominantly Catholic country. While the Family Code defines marriage as between a man and woman, public support for same-sex marriage seems to be growing. President Duterte has wavered in his support, saying he would consider legalization but also opposing it personally. The debate touches on issues of individual rights, religious beliefs, and social acceptance.
This document discusses same-sex marriage in the Philippines. It provides context that same-sex marriage is still an issue being debated in the predominantly Catholic country. While the Family Code defines marriage as between a man and woman, public support for same-sex marriage seems to be growing. President Duterte has wavered in his support, saying he would consider legalization but also opposing it personally. The debate touches on issues of individual rights, religious beliefs, and social acceptance.
This document discusses same-sex marriage in the Philippines. It provides context that same-sex marriage is still an issue being debated in the predominantly Catholic country. While the Family Code defines marriage as between a man and woman, public support for same-sex marriage seems to be growing. President Duterte has wavered in his support, saying he would consider legalization but also opposing it personally. The debate touches on issues of individual rights, religious beliefs, and social acceptance.
Same sex marriage is quintessentially a 21 st century phenomena. In 2015,
17 countries around the globe have laws allowing same sex couples to become legally married. Some countries have same sex marriage is rising, however, which leads many to believe that acceptance will continue to grow. To better explore this, let us define same sex marriage.
According to legal dictionaries, same sex marriage is defined as, the legal union between two people of the same sex or the state or condition of being married to another person of the same gender.
Same sex marriage supporters reiterate that love should be sufficient
grounds for marriage, regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the couple. Those on the opposite side of the same sex marriage debate often cite religious beliefs, or concerns about procreation and child rearing, to support their arguments.
Philippines was regarded as one of the most gay-friendly nations in Asia,
being the 10th most gay-friendly in a 2013 global survey covering 39 countries, in which only 17 had majorities accepting homosexuality. However, same sex marriage is something that was still hanging issue. In December 2014, Herminio Coloma Jr, a spokesperson for the Presidential Palace, commented on same-sex marriage, saying; "We must respect the rights of individuals to enter into such partnerships as part of their human rights, but we just need to wait for the proposals in Congress".
Right after Ireland legalized same-sex marriage through a popular vote in
May 2015, advocates for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Philippines saw the possibility of legalizing such marriages with a public petition. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, however, is opposed to the idea despite stating that it supports 'equality for all'. To the extent of even stating that 'same-sex marriage' and 'falling for the same sex is wrong'.
The Family Code of the Philippines states in Articles 1, 2 and 147,
respectively:
"Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a
woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and an inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed by law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code."[42] "No marriage shall be valid, unless these essential requisites are present:
(1) Legal Capacity of contracting parties who must be a male and a
female; and
(2) Consent freely given in the presence of the solemnizing officer."
On 18 February 2016, during his presidential campaign, Rodrigo Duterte
announced that should he win the election he would consider legalizing same-sex marriage if a proposal is presented to him. Duterte won the presidential election. In March 2017, however, Duterte said that he personally opposes same-sex marriage. On 17 December 2017, Duterte changed his position on the issue, expressing his support again. He further guaranteed that, during his term, the rights of LGBT people in the Philippines would be protected and nurtured.
With the pronouncements made by President according to his views on
the same sex marriage legalization in the Philippines, the LGBTQ community in the country peeks a light on its pursuance. Although many Filipinos are still tied to the strong beliefs that oppose it, many straight men and women also in favors it in respect or acceptance to the same sex couples who wish to legalize the shared rights and responsibilities in raising of children, merging of properties, inheritance and the like.
Everybody is entitled with his/her own belief as the democracy’s cloth
cover all Filipino’s with such, whilst maintaining the strong conviction of its rich culture through religion and tradition. The decision on the legalization on same sex marriage will depend on the countries future disposition for the rights of the LGBTQ community. But as of now, we can assess where we stand with our own perception of the changing definition of rights for the continuously changing world with its continuously changing people’s beliefs and standards.