1.

Do you favor or not the passage of a law on same sex marriage in

the Phils?
The question legalization of same sex marriage in the Philippines without a doubt,
has been influenced by the legalization of the same in the United states. As the saying
goes, When America sneezes, the world catches a cold.
When the Supreme Court of the United States decided to change their definition of
marriage, and declared that there is not much difference between the marriage between a
man a woman, and marriage between two people of the same sex, some people arrived at
the conclusion that the same could be done as well in the Philippines.
It may not be far from now, that someone would file an action in court, questioning
the validity of the provisions of the Civil Code regarding marriage. That defining marriage
as a special contract of permanent union between a MAN AND A WOMAN entered into in
accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life, is against the
fundamental rights of every person.
If I were to answer this question as a law student however, I would have to say I am
in favor of the legalization of same sex marriage in our country. I believe that healthy
relationships are good for people, and marriage is a way of re-affirming these relationships,
thereby making the relationship stronger. It can be said that people in strong and healthy
relationships are happy people, and happy people are productive people-socially and
economically.
However, If I am to answer this as a person whos been a Christian all my life, I
would have to say I am against legalizing and making the same-sex union sacred. The
Holy Bible clearly states the prohibition on homosexuality. The sacredness of union
between two persons are manifested in the very first marriage officiated by God Himself
between Adam and Eve- a man and a woman. Nowhere in the Bible could we find that
equality among all humans on the planet could be equated to the freedom of a man or a
woman to marry anyone he/she pleases, even though that person be of the same sex as
him/ her. Instead, God showed no mercy when he punished the city of Sadom and
Gomorarah by raining it down with burning sulfur, destroying everything and everyone who
were in homosexual practices then.
At present, we do not have a law criminalizing the act of two men or women living
together as a couple. As a matter of fact, our society has embraced people like Boy
Abunda, and Aiza Seguerra amidst the fact that they openly admit living together with their
long-time partners. We value them and other homosexuals alike, and their valuable

contribution in the showbiz industry. We recognize their talents, their advocacies in

alleviating poverty, and their active participation in civil activities aiming to educate less
fortunate children. I believe I now society accepts the discreet relationships between
people of the same sex, but legalizing it and viewing it as the same as the sacred bond
created by God between Adam and Eve; I think not.
We are even yet to consider other posing issues and questions should same-sex
marriage be legalized in our country. For example, will they be allowed to legally adopt
children? Will they be permitted by law to raise a child within their home? If so, what could
be the possible effects to a child if he/she raise by in such a family structure? The list of
questions could go on and on.
Finally, I believe the biggest question in line, are these : Are we really ready for such
a drastic change? Are we certain that allowing such modification in our traditional family
structure would result to a betterment of our society? Our children? Our family? Are
generally aware of the pros and cons of legalizing such union? In my opinion, the answer
is a big no.

2.Does same sex marriage find a basis on gender equality?

I believe that same sex marriage does find a basis in gender equality. However, I do
not agree with how the cry for gender equality should give rise to the legalization of samesex marriage.
Gender equality is a political concept that emphasizes equality between the
genders. Gender equality is typically defined as women and men enjoying the same
opportunities, rights and responsibilities within all areas of life.
Every person has inherent rights and freedom. However, we all know that these are
not absolute. Certain limits and prohibitions exist in order to properly secure a functional
and orderly society for everyone to thrive and enjoy.
Gender equality has such a wide scope but still undeniably is still more focused on
women than men. This is also easy to understand because women are typically the ones
who are abused and discriminated. Let us not forget that still, in some Middle-Eastern and
North American countries, women are not allowed to have custody over their children, to
file a divorce against their abusive husbands, freedom of marriage, right to pass on their
citizenship, own a land, be educated, or even be allowed to drive. I believe that there is still
a battle to fight for womens equal rights and that this fight should never be allowed to die.

Now, if we are fighting for equality for all in all aspects of life, why should we exclude
then the right of a man/woman to choose to marry one of the same sex as his/her?
The sacred union between a man and a woman is often the meaning attached to
marriage. Such definition being recognized, not only my Christians but also by huge
Atheist countries like China and Korea. This is probably because it is view to be a union,
able to procreate and produce the next generation. This however, is without prejudice to
those couple who are unable to have children because of sterility. However, procreation is
without a doubt one of the natural effects of a marriage between the opposite sex- and this
is necessary if we all want the same thing that is continuity of the human race.
Upon the other hand, same-sex couples will never be able to procreate. Does this
mean that they should then never be allowed to marry? In my opinion, the answer is No.
Should they be allowed to adopt and raise a child then and treat him/ her as their own? I
dont think so.
In the end, I do believe that logically, same sex marriage does find a basis in gender
equality.

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY- PHILIPPINES

WESLEYAN LAW SCHOOL

ASSIGNMENT
Same Sex Marriage
Gender Equality

Submitted to:
Atty. Anita Chauhan, Phd.

By:
Chrisel Hipolito-Aguilar
1

1chrisel2014@gmail.com