Same-sex marriage in the

Philippines?
BY JONAS BAGAS
POSTED ON 05/11/2012 4:04 PM | UPDATED 05/13/2012 10:45 PM

Don’t expect Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage to have an impact here. It was a
historical and an inspiring gesture, one that would galvanize a changing cultural perspective
on same-sex relationships inside and outside America.

Here, it would spark debates on our readiness for same-sex marriage, but don’t hold your
breath: it won’t alter anything here fundamentally. Don’t even think that this would suddenly
lead President Aquino to push his allies in Congress to enact a law legalizing same-sex
marriage.

It just won’t happen.

This is not to say that the social attitudes and behavior of Filipinos toward homosexuality and
same-sex marriage are not changing. They are, and social media has triggered a shift in how
we digest controversial topics that in the past have been filtered and controlled by traditional
institutions, such as the Church and our schools. I’m not saying that Filipinos are now more
pro-LGBT, but the overall mood is changing, and there’s more openness to engage in an issue
that is still otherwise considered taboo.

Social media has democratized access to a wider range of narratives and stories on LGBTs
and made them part of our common experiences, creating a climate that could help dismantle
oppressive stereotypes about homosexuality. The bullying of LGBT kids in American schools,
for instance, a Canadian transgender joining the Miss Universe, the coming out of Hollywood
celebrities - these have all catalyzed conversations here. And while we know that these
happened elsewhere, we have embraced the universal elements of these stories.

More importantly, social media has given us access to participate in these conversations. To
respond to a homophobic slur in the past meant writing press releases or letters to the
editors, the fate of which would depend on the mood of the editors.

Today, Facebook and Twitter could help anyone - the in-your-face LGBT activist, the
closeted bakla, and their fag hags - push alternative perspectives on LGBTs, and influence
how opinion gatekeepers and icons see the issue.

Why the difficulty?

If social attitudes are gradually shifting, why then is it hard to push for LGBT rights and same-
sex marriage here in the Philippines?

Many would automatically blame the Catholic taliban, and how it has been trying to control
our political institutions.

I think it is a wrong framing of the problem, and it grants the Catholic hierarchy a degree of
influence that doesn’t exist. The Church has no control over public opinion, as proven by the
continuing popularity of the RH Bill despite the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines's opposition to it and by the failure of the Catholic Church to mobilize the so-called
"Catholic vote."

What we perceive to be the Church’s political influence in fact indicates a fundamental

weakness in our political institutions, a democratic flaw that makes our system beholden to
interest groups like the Catholic taliban.

The Church is powerful; the problem is that the state is weak. Legal recognition of same-sex
partnerships, whether through marriage or civil unions, would not happen by engaging or
reforming the Catholic hierarchy. It is after all the business of the Church hierarchy to be
dogmatic, and we should just let it collapse under the weight of its internal contradictions.

We should be engaging and reforming the state and make it modern, inclusive, and truly
representative.

Strategic battleground

For the LGBT community, that would require a change in strategy.

One, it means that LGBTs must reframe the debate on homosexuality along secular and non-
religious terms. While I understand why Catholic LGBTs want to carve a more tolerant space
within the Catholic faith, the more strategic battleground is in the Constitution, not the Bible.

Same-sex marriage is understandably a sensitive religious issue, but it is above all about our
sectarian values - about basic fairness and our constitutional rights, about human dignity
regardless of the sex of the people we love.

Two, we need to be more forthright about gay love and gay sex.

For many years, LGBT activists have skirted the issue of same-sex partnerships and gay
marriage as a non-priority, relegating it under more crucial issues, like discrimination in
schools and the workplace. This sends the wrong signal - that same-sex partnerships are
secondary and unimportant, when ironically the root of discrimination against LGBTs is the
rejection of same-sex partnerships, both the sexual and romantic sides of it.
We need to embrace gay sex and gay love and feel less guilty about them.

A modern state, embracing gay sex and gay love. Who said that marriage is easy?
- Rappler.com

(The author is coordinator of Akbayan's LGBT Collective and a member of the Philippine
National AIDS Council.)

Gays cheer, critics condemn

Obama on same-sex
marriage
BY AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
POSTED ON 05/10/2012 6:59 AM | UPDATED 05/10/2012 6:59 AM

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WASHINGTON, United States of America - Gay rights groups cheered Wednesday's

announcement, May 9, by US President Barack Obama that he supports same-sex marriage,
but conservatives swiftly denounced his landmark stance.

"Congratulations, Mr President, for making history today by becoming the first sitting
president to explicitly support marriage for same-sex couples," said Rea Carey, executive
director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"Who benefits? Millions of families who now know that their country's leader believes in
fairness for all. This is a great day for America," said Carey in a statement.

"We celebrate this moment and also remember that the right of loving, committed couples to
get married is just one of many issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
people," she added.

"It is heartening to know the president stands with our families in the pursuit of full equality,
economic security and justice."
Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, which actively campaigns
against same-sex marriage, said Obama had now made the definition of marriage "a defining
issue" in the upcoming elections.

God is author

"God is the author of marriage, and we will not let an activist politician like Barack Obama
who is beholden to gay marriage activists for campaign financing to turn marriage into
something political that can be redefined according to presidential whim," he said in a
statement.

"President Obama stuck a fork in himself today. He's done. He's toast," said Bryan Fischer of
the American Family Association, who linked the president's stance with his looming electoral
showdown with Republican hopeful Mitt Romney.

"What God has defined, man may not redefine," Fischer said. "President Obama today came
out on the wrong side of history, morality and public policy. For him, it is a day that will live in
infamy."

Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, which campaigns for same-sex
marriage, said Obama's support "marks a turning point for the freedom-to-marry movement."

"Yet there is much left to be done," he warned. "It is time to repeal discriminatory laws that
hurt families and help no one and speed passage of freedom to marry laws throughout the
country."

He added: "Government has no business putting obstacles in the path of loving and
committed couples and their families who simply seek to care for one another and for whom
marriage matters."

"This is a major turning point in the history of American civil rights," said Mayor Michael
Bloomberg of New York, home to one of the biggest gay and lesbian communities in North
America.

"The march of freedom that has sustained our country since the Revolution of 1776 continues,
and no matter what setbacks may occur in a given state, freedom will triumph over fear and
equality will prevail over exclusion," he said.

Courageous stand

"Today's announcement is a testament to the president's convictions, and it builds on the

courageous stands that so many Americans have taken over the years on behalf of equal
rights for gay and lesbian Americans."
In Maryland, Governor Martin O'Malley, who signed legislation in March to legalize same-sex
marriage, said "the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal
rights and human dignity of all."

"Ultimately, we all want the same thing for our children: to live in a loving, stable committed
home protected equally under the law," he said.

Six states plus the national capital Washington DC have legalized gay marriage. Two others,
Washington state and Maryland, have voted in favor, but their laws have yet to come into
effect pending referendums. - Agence France-Presse

Miriam Quiambao draws flak

for comments on LGBT,
religion
BY RAPPLER.COM
POSTED ON 05/01/2012 10:08 AM | UPDATED 06/14/2012 4:25 PM

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MANILA, Philippines - Former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao apologized to the LGBT
community after a firestorm of criticism over her comments on sexuality and religion.

Her statements, both online and offline, came after her appearance as a panelist on The
Bottomline on ABS-CBN last Saturday, April 28.

As a panelist, Quiambao made several comments about homosexuality on the show, which
had Ladlad Partylist's Bemz Benedicto as main guest.

"I’m not a pastor, I’m definitely not an expert; however, the way I understand it is
homosexuality is not the one that makes you a sinner. Actually, sexual immorality is what
makes you a sinner," she said.
"God made us all for a purpose. And I don’t understand why God made him (Benedito) that
way. I feel, though, that in my knowledge of God, God never makes mistakes and He’s not a
liar. So however He made him, that’s who he really is.

"However, because God has allowed this to happen in his life, perhaps there is a purpose. And
at the end of the day, he will be the one to face God… we’re not in a position to judge
because we’re all sinners, we’ve all fallen, and I feel that God will be the one to judge him in
the end. I’m just hoping that whatever purpose God put him there, he’ll be able to stand face
to face with God in peace," she said at the end of the show.

After the show, she made additional comments on her Twitter account, @miriamq.

'A lie from the devil'

"Homosexuality is not a sin but it is a lie from the devil. Do not be deceived. God loves gays
and wants them to know the truth," she said.

"No offense to the LGBT but the Truth is the Truth that comes from God. Take it or leave it. We
will all face the judgement seat of God," she added in a later tweet.

Her tweets spread fast online, earning flak from many people, especially members of the
LGBT community.

Even fellow celebrities, such as Jim Paredes, Divine Lee, and Lea Salonga reacted to the issue.

She later apologized and defended herself. "I'm sorry that the truth offends some people but
it is truth that comes from God. The truth will set you free. Love you," she tweeted.

"Mahal ko ang LGBT. That's why I am sharing with you the truth. If you are not ready for it,
please don't shoot me. I am just a messenger," she added.

Her apology got mixed reactions from the public, with some not accepting her apology.

She later promised to be "more sensitive" in making statements about the LGBT community.
-Rappler.com

CONVERSATIONS: Is the
Philippines ready for
#gaymarriage?
BY RAPPLER.COM
POSTED ON 05/11/2012 6:57 PM | UPDATED 05/11/2012 7:56 PM

No Comments

MANILA, Philipines – United States President Barrack Obama made history this week by being
the first sitting US president to explicitly express support for same-sex marriage.

"It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to
get married," he said in an interview with ABC News. The statement came a day after North
Carolina voted to support an amendment that ruled out gay marriage. Gay rights
groups cheered on Obama’s landmark statement, while conservatives denounced it.

Will Obama’s statement have an impact in the Philippines? Don’t hold your breath, says
Akbayan's LGBT Collective coordinator and Philippine National AIDS Council member Jonas
Bagas in his Thought Leaders piece.

Do you think the Philippines is ready for same-sex marriage? Moving forward, what do you
think the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community can do to push the issue
of same-sex marriage in the country?

WHY IT MATTERS: Gay marriage

By David Crary
Associated Press
4:12 pm | Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

In Oct. 6, 2009, file photo, Ed Grandis, left, and Juan D. Rondon, hold hands after a bill allowing same-sex
marriage in the District of Columbia was introduced at a city council meeting in Washington. On one aspect
of whether same-sex couples should have the right to marry, both sides agree: The issue defines what kind
of nation we are. Half a dozen states and the District of Columbia have made history by legalizing it, but it’s
prohibited elsewhere, and 30 states have placed bans in their constitutions. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin,
File)
(One
in a 084627
series examining issues at stake in the US election and their impact on people—Editor)
The issue:
On one aspect of whether same-sex couples should have the right to marry, both sides agree: The issue defines what kind of
nation the U.S. is. Half a dozen states and the District of Columbia have made history by legalizing it, but it’s prohibited
elsewhere, and 30 states have placed bans in their constitutions.
 ___
Where they stand:
President Barack Obama supports legal recognition of same-sex marriage, as a matter to be decided by the states. He’s also
repudiated the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and affirms the right of
states to refuse to recognize such marriages. The administration no longer defends the law in court, but it remains on the
books. Republican Mitt Romney says same-sex marriage should be banned with a constitutional amendment, not left to
states. He also opposes civil unions if they are equivalent to marriage, and says states should decide what rights and
benefits should be allowed for same-sex couples.
___
Why it matters:
The debate divides the public down the middle, according to recent polls, and stirs up passionate feelings on both sides.
Those who oppose it often invoke religious teachings, contending that their faith cannot condone legal recognition of gay and
lesbian couples. They worry about conflicts between religious liberty and public policy if gay marriage spreads to more states
and gains federal recognition.
Gay-marriage supporters cite examples of devoted same-sex couples — some partners for decades, some raising children
— and say it’s unfair to deny them the same rights as heterosexual couples.
“It’s about what kind of country we are,” said Lee Swislow of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, a Boston-based legal
group that has won several landmark court rulings. “Do we treat each other the way we want to be treated?”
The Maryland Catholic Conference recently summed up the views of many who oppose same-sex marriage.
“The average citizen of Maryland has enough common sense to know that marriage cannot be redefined; that a child comes
from both a mother and a father; that marriage is the building block of society,” the group said. “It is not discriminatory to
reserve marriage for one man and one woman.”
As things stand now, same-sex couples face a patchwork of conflicting laws and practices that vary from state to state.
Six states allow same-sex marriage; nine more have civil unions or domestic partnerships that extend marriage-like rights to
gays and lesbians.
The federal government, however, doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage, nor do the vast majority of states. Even with an
out-of-state marriage license, gay and lesbian couples in those states face uncertainty, extra legal bills and rebuffs that
straight couples avoid. Complications can arise with adoptions, inheritances and survivor benefits.
If legally married in their own state, same-sex couples still must file separate federal tax forms, with separate deductions,
even when they’re raising children together and jointly owning property.
This election won’t get rid of that patchwork, but it could have a major impact given that four states have gay-marriage
measures on their ballots.
In Minnesota, the vote is whether to put a ban on gay marriage in the state constitution. Voters in Maine, Maryland and
Washington state are voting on whether to legalize gay marriage.
Thus far, foes of gay marriage have prevailed in all 32 states where the issue reached the ballot. If that streak is broken in the
four states that are addressing it in November, it could provide momentum for supporters, and perhaps even influence the
Supreme Court if — as expected — it takes up cases challenging the Defense of Marriage Act.
 See more at: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/68264/why-it-matters-gay-
marriage#sthash.m4d6ECtO.dpuf

What are some ethical issues

concerning same-sex marriage?


View Slide Show
Answer:
Some people, including some extremist Christians/Jews, believe that it is wrong for people of the same sex to have
loving and lustful feelings for each other.
The only religious group I am able to speak for on this topic is Christianity. As a Christian woman in a lesbian
relationship, I will face a lot of controversy during my life with my girlfriend. Some Christians, going back to the
Bible, quote that God found it unacceptable for same sex relations to take place, because it is lustful and wrong.
Furthermore, God created woman for man and man for woman, not woman for woman or man for man, in the book of
Genesis. A Christian many also say that a primary purpose of marriage is procreation, which cannot take place
naturally in a gay marriage.
Others will oppose this, saying that God only condemns same sex physical relations if they are based on lust not love,
and that the story of Creation is symbolic rather than true. For many people, marriage is more about love and mutual
trust than about starting a family, and so they would say that gay marriage is not an issue.
For those who have no specific faith but are still homophobic, I can only suggest the following reasoning:
- They feel it is unnatural; body parts etc. are not right together.
- They feel that it is not right for people of the same sex to feel that way for each other; they cannot empathise with
this feeling and so do not understand it.
- They do not want to address the issue because of long lasting social belief that it is immoral. This social belief has its
roots in a previously Christian-dominated society where people were unable to express their opinions.

I would like to stress that it is only certain Christians who feel this way, and that the general Christian belief is unclear.
The past of Christianity was much stricter than the present.

Same-Sex Marriage: A Historical Introduction

24 1517
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- See more at: http://family.findlaw.com/marriage/same-sex-marriage-a-historical-

introduction.html#sthash.6NoLJCKw.dpuf