Freedom of Love is Marriage Equality

by: Mycah Dela Cura

 

 LGBTQ+ marriage has always been a controversial topic overall the gender societies across the planet. However, times have changed with the rise of public rights and opinion, that being said, same-sex marriage might be another way to promote gender equality thus it should be officially authorized in the Philippines.

 

Looking at things from the point of view of a person from the LGBT community, same-sex marriage is indeed a good thing not only for the entire public opinion and people of the country but also for the emotional and mental health of people with different gender identities, namely the LGBTs. According to Dr. William C. Buffie from St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis, in an article that he wrote, after an interview and observation, conducted about two married lesbian and gay couples, after marriage, both people had a progressive relationship that directly had an effect on their daily lives as well as their mental health status. As such he had concluded that same-sex marriage is an efficient and beneficial regulation that must be available for every country, and not just in certain territories of the seven continents.

 In retrospect to the fact that the Philippines had once actually allowed and performed same-sex marriage too during the 16th century, in the account of the babaylans, an indigenous religious leader who provided healing and divination. Babaylans are often women however there are male babaylans too although the babaylans soon disappeared upon the arrival of the Spaniards who brought the Christian religion into the Philippines as their kind became scorned and hid away from the society. If one would think about it can be said to be the origin of how some of the Filipino LGBT closeted their sexualities. Just the existence of this sexual orientation in the Philippines’ early history is enough proof that it is not too far off for Filipinos to be able to embrace and accept the ideals of marriage equality in same-sex marriage.

The implementation of marriage equality is, however, by all means, no simple matter. Despite the level of freedom being prominent in the entire globe, there are still a few places in the world that are against the marriage of two people of the same sex. According to newsweek.com in an article written by the staff journalist Alexandra Hutzler, currently, there are 26 countries in the world in which marriage equality is legally recognized and performed, albeit in contrast there are still 34 countries as of 2021, that have yet to propose this regulation for application in their nations due to the definition of their marriage law, it is also for such reason, that this type of commitment goes against their country's traditions as well as religion. Whereas just because other countries are legalizing same-sex marriage does not signify that we must bend our own homeland's teachings, culture, and religion. Same-sex marriage indeed has a number of disadvantages, as much as its advantages. Objectively speaking, however, same-sex marriage is not only necessary in the Philippines for the sake of our Filipino LGBTs but also to build a bridge for everybody to unite under the banner of freedom of love and expression but they also tighten the bonds between the society of us Filipinos, becoming one as we also build other connections with other countries encouraging social awareness on stopping the discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community around the planet. From a human rights perspective, broadening civil marriage to couples of the same sex demonstrates respect for the fundamental rights of equality and nondiscrimination.

It's already the era of democracy, and now same-sex marriage is not impossible in the Philippines. Legalizing same-sex marriage in the Philippines would unquestionably change the situation of our fellow Filipino LGBTs, along with the views of the country against the rest of the different sexual orientations of people from other races. Nevertheless, it is still up to the conclusion of the public whether this type of law should be implemented or not and how far the scope of change can same-sex marriage bring to the Philippines. Now, it is in the hands of the government and the populace to decide and figure things out.