On The Legalization of Same-sex Marriages
Although the Catholic Church questions the morality of this act, same-sex marriages should be legalized in the Philippines because denying these marriages discriminate and hamper human rights, specifically, the right to religious freedom.
Due to current events in the United States of America, specifically New York, the debate about the issue of legalizing same-sex marriages in the Philippines once again has caught spark. It has aroused a number of reactions from different people of opposing perspectives and points of view. Pro and con arguments have again seen light, and yet the debate is still far from over.
Some may say that the Philippines is a gay and lesbian haven, but simpler acts than the legalization of same-sex marriage, like the Anti Discrimination Bill are yet to be passed. It is a currently debated bill in the congress which is “An Act Defining Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Providing Penalties Therefor”. This only shows that there are some people who are against giving a just treatment to homosexuals. If this is not true, then the bill would have been passed already.
In a way, the same case may go to the legalization of same-sex marriages in the country. A great amount of time will be consumed for the discussion of the issue, while the nation waits for the outcome. Often at times though, there is no outcome ended up with. Hopes high, this country has yet to see the change that it has been waiting for. Hopefully soon, the legalization of same-sex marriage should be a part of this change.
First of all, prohibiting same-sex marriages is a form of discriminating the minority in the society. It labels gays, lesbians and homosexuals, in general, as inferior to heterosexual beings. It also sends the message, especially to the younger generation who have yet to fully understand our society that it is acceptable to discriminate against these gays and lesbians. Furthermore, not only is it social discrimination, but also legal discrimination.
The rights of these minorities should be protected, which is why there is the Bill of Rights in the Philippine Constitution as well as in the universal level. Basically, everyone should be, and is entitled to these rights because each individual is born equal in dignity and rights. There should also be no distinction to any person of any kind, such as race, color, sex, religion, and other status the like. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion no matter his political affiliation, economic capabilities or social condition.
Second, a person marries another because of love. A marriage is a relationship between two people. How does two people's love for each other hurt society or people not involved in the marriage? It's a personal matter and a personal commitment. It's not other people's business if a man is in love with another man and not a woman. Society can only look into this matter, but cannot, and by any means should not dictate what two people can or cannot do with their lives especially if it is only between the both of them. Love –this is the true essence of marriage. It is not religion, reproduction or anything else for that matter.
Lastly, renouncing same-sex marriages violate our right to religious freedom. According to Section 5, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, "No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed." Furthermore, according to Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
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| "Political ideas should be unbiased by religious influences because politics includes public reason necessary for legislation and administration unlike religion which should be exclusive for their private lives." (Camagong, 2011) |
With that being mentioned, we can say that not everyone should be a Catholic or a Christian. Thus, no one should be prohibited from manifesting the act of same sex marriage because not everyone is Catholic or Christian wherein it is not accepted. Also, given that, then what is the separation of church and state even for? Thus, we cannot defy its purpose even for this issue.
However, those against the legalization of same-sex marriages in the Philippines tend to question the morality of this act. It becomes immoral because it goes against the teaching of the church wherein marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation. Marriage, being defined as the union of a man and a woman, instantly contradicts the idea of same-sex marriage in which a man and a man or a woman and a woman may marry. Moreover, two persons of the same-sex are not able to naturally procreate.
Taking this into consideration, it is still not legitimate to not legalize same-sex marriages in the country. Though many are Catholic, not all are. Therefore, also not everyone should be bounded by the Biblical or Catholic definition of marriage aforementioned by the con side. Now, putting procreation in the picture is actually straying away from the real issue at hand. Because if it were the main concern here, then couples who are infertile or those who have no plans of raising a child should neither be allowed to marry.
Though a number of arguments arise, many still believe that the Philippines is not ready for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country. However, the real question to be answered here is that “when will we ever be ready?” If the citizens of this country continue to foster a culture of fear for change, then there will definitely be nowhere to run towards. Our country needs people willing to take a bold step like this in order to start a change in the reality we are living in. Not because it is reality at the present moment, it is something we have to live in it forever. Therefore, we should not be afraid of building our nation on the basis of great ideas. Truly, it may seem overwhelming at first. But then again, it cannot overwhelm us forever.
*An Argumentative Essay Submitted to the Department of English and Applied Linguistics, De La Salle University - Manila, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Speech Communication
(MLA) References:
"1987 Philippine Constitution." Philippine Laws and Jurisprudence Databank: The Lawphil Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.lawphil.net/consti/cons1987.html>.
San Diego, Martin. Pray. 2010. Pray, Metro Manila. Facebook. Web. 7 Oct. 2011.
"Student leaders stand up for the RH Bill « The Allegiance." The Allegiance. N.p., 6 Oct. 2011. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://scapnational.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/student-leaders-stand-up-for-the-rh-bill/>.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights." United Nations: It's Your World. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/>.
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