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Equality Not Just for Our Convenience, But for Everyone

. Same-sex marriage, by the name itself, is the marriage between partners of the
same sex (as recognized in some jurisdictions). It is an important issue to discuss, as
studies have shown that legal recognition of same-sex partners reduces social
exclusion, alleviates the oppressive effects of institutionalized stigma, and increases
access to more benefts and resources, which in turn can improve mental and physical
health (Badgett, 2009 ; Bufe, 2010)

I think it is a high time to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines because

the bigotry needs to be stopped and we should look out for the welfare of everyone,
including those that are queer or commonly known as homosexuals. According to an
article written by an Asia division senior researcher, “Allowing same-sex marriage would
enable gays and lesbians in the Philippines to marry the person they love and would
strengthen everyone’s rights. 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 should be enshrined in Philippine law. The Philippines
should join countries including the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia,
Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and
Ireland, all of which have enshrined marriage equality in their laws. In Asia, lawmakers
in Taiwan are mulling a draft law that would legalize same-sex marriage.” (Conde, 2017)

However, same-sex marriage in the Philippines remains a highly contentious

issue due to the influence of religion in this predominantly Catholic country, where it is
often framed as an issue of morality. Moreover, the psychological underpinnings of this
religious influence still merits further exploration. A major factor in the Philippine context
is the influence of the Catholic Church, which strongly opposes same-sex marriage
(Villegas, 2015). The country.As of now marriage between same-sex couples is legally
performed and recognized in a lot of countries and unfortunately, the Philippines is not
one of those countries. Allowing homosexuals to express themselves and settle with the
person they love is just a basic human decency. It’s not love when we are prohibiting
our brothers and sisters to be with the people they love. When we instill our beliefs at
the expense of other people, it does not, and will never be in line with equality. The
Philippines is truly a Christian country which makes it difficult for the nation to adapt and
progress. We are already in the year 2022 and it is time that same-sex marriage should
be legalized in the Philippines