LOVE WINS | Pope Francis’ support for same-sex civil union could push PH bill forward

October 22, 2020 , 01:29 PM

(October 22, 2020) – A lawmaker revived talks of upholding the rights of same-sex couples in the Philippines after Pope Francis made a landmark endorsement for their protection in civil union laws.

Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera, author of House Bill 1357 or the Civil Partnership Bill, said she is hopeful the proposal could finally move forward in Congress.

“The public support of Pope Francis for the enactment of civil union laws could be exactly the impetus needed so that the opposition to the civil partnership bill will melt away,” said Herrera in a statement.

House Bill 1357 pushes for the recognition of the civil partnership, providing their rights, and obligations, regardless of sex.

“It aims to be a landmark effort to provide civil rights, benefits, and responsibilities to couples, previously unable to marry, by giving them due recognition and protection from the State,” said Herrera in the explanatory note.

This has been pending in the Committee on Women and Gender Equality since last year.

The Philippines ranks among the top 10 in the world of most gay-friendly countries, according to the US-based Pew Research Center.

The Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, however, opposes same-sex marriage. Three of five Filipinos oppose the union based on a 2018 Social Weather Stations Survey.

The high court also dismissed a petition to allow same sex-marriage last year.

Homosexual couples cannot declare their partners as beneficiaries under social security and insurance plans.

“Hindi ito usapin ng relihiyon. Ito’y isyu ng karapatang pantao, bagay na kinikilala at binibigyang halaga mismo ni Pope Francis,” said Herrera.

Pope Francis made his boldest statement yet regarding the rights of gay people in a new documentary “Francesco” released Wednesday.

“Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it,” said Pope Francis. “What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that.”

Herrera is also hoping this could pave the way for more Catholic support on gender equality measures and the Reproductive Health Law.

The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual tendencies are not sinful but homosexual acts are. It teaches that homosexuals should be treated with dignity but is opposed to gay marriage.

Senate President Tito Sotto, however, doesn’t think the statement of Pope Francis will have any effect on Philippine legislation.

“Same-sex union is already being practiced here and there is nothing we can do about it. Same-sex marriage is the one which is not acceptable to many religions and other sectors,” Sotto told reporters. “It’s just tolerated but not in the legal sense. We should leave it at that. Baka mapag-initan pa.”

(Katrina Elaine Alba/PM)

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