Same Sex Marriage in the Philippines: A Legal Dilemma, High school final essays of Philosophy

Download Same Sex Marriage in the Philippines: A Legal Dilemma and more High school final essays Philosophy in PDF only on Docsity! PART 1 Issue: Same Sex Marriage in the Philippines What is Same Sex Marriage? – Same-sex marriage (also known as gay marriage) is a term for a relationship in which two people of the same sex live together as a family in a governmentally, socially, or religiously recognized marriage. The Philippine Family Code specifically defines “marriage” as “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.” This restrictive definition spells a huge difference because any other union between two people who are not a man and a woman is, as a consequence, not a valid marriage under Philippine law. This is something that Filipino citizens cannot escape. All matters relating to family rights and duties, or to the status (such as being married) of Filipino citizens are subject to Philippine laws, even if they live abroad. Thus, even if Filipino same-sex couples get married in a country where same-sex marriage is legal, such marriages will be void or not recognized under Philippine law. A 2013 Pew Research Center report found that the Philippines is the second most gay-friendly country in Asia after Australia. As of December 2018, the country’s President, Rodrigo Duterte, seemed to agree that same-sex marriages should be allowed. According to the Philippine Information Agency, during an LGBT rally in his hometown of Davao in December 2018, the President said “Ako gusto ko, same-sex marriage. Ang problema, we’ll have to change the law; but we can change the law,” (I like same-sex marriage. The problem is we have to change the law, but we can change the law). So what’s the problem? According to Business Insider, the country is 80 percent Catholic and this has undoubtedly been a stumbling block in their bid to legalize same-sex marriage. Currently, the House of Representatives have an online poll which asks “Are you in favor of the proposal in the House of Representatives which legalizes same-sex unions as a civil partnership in the country?” Despite of this many are hoping that someday they get the attention they want from the government and from the society, that all they want is “Equality”. Equality for everything, treat them like they are belong in the society and let them feel that nothing is wrong in being gay or lesbian or being part of the third sex community. Let them have a legal union or marriage for them to be proud of their relationship and be strong as one. It’s true that love knows no gender. Everyone has a reason and freedom to love and to be loved by someone. Let them be proud and special, let them live in a society that hate and discrimination has no place because of love and support from everyone strengthens them.