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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Introduced by
EXPLANATORY NOTE
There have been numerous calls to allow persons of same sex to legally
contract their marriage here in the Philippines, considering that many
personalities including showbiz entertainers go abroad to have their marriage
solemnized, only not to be recognized here in the Philippines. The lack of
protection on their most basic civil rights and non-recognition by their marriage
under our laws cause call for the passage of this law, in consonance with our
constitutional provisions on equal protection. The time where the Philippines is
considered as a purely conservative nation has already passed by, as the changes
that surface in the course of times, liberated our orientations and culture; hence,
the need to adapt to the present times, in order that no one will be left out, and
that all the rights and desires of the people, especially the Filipinos, are well noted
and taken care of.
A large part of our population is composed of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgnder, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI), and it cannot be denied that there is now
a greater acceptance of their group in the Philippines. Their roles in our
community in various sectors have been widely recognized, and in the course of
times, our laws aspire to protect them in any form of discrimination in any way
possible; however, despite the government’s frantic efforts, there is still one topic
which was left untouched – same sex marriage. It is primarily due to the fact that
catholic churches, religious sectors and other organizations oppose it; however,
the same shall not impede and affect the granting of certain rights to the LGBTQI
community, as after all, we are the same and equal – we are all people seeking for
love as a lifelong commitment, and people wanting to establish our own family.
The lack of laws protecting them from the causes and effects of such commitment
put same sex couples in a conundrum; hence, the need to define their relationships
and the other issues and rights usual couple confront, to wit: insurance claims,
hereditary rights, parental rights, property division.
Ultimately, this Bill seeks to legalize same sex marriages, and to define the
basic marital rights and obligations of same sex couples.
In view of the foregoing, approval of tis bill is highly and earnestly
sought.
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Introduced by
Toward this end, the State shall accord full respect and
recognition of the couples, regardless of their sexual preferences, and
to define their basic marital obligations; further, to ensure that they
would not be denied of their marital rights, and the benefits and
privileges accruing from their relationship.
f) A marriage ceremony
SECTION 23. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper
of general circulation.
Approved,