Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legalized in the Philippines?

Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in the Philippines.

I. Introduction

Same-sex marriage is the legal union between two people of the same sex. It is a form of marriage that
has been traditionally prohibited in many countries due to social, cultural, and religious reasons. Same-
sex marriage has been a controversial topic for many years. While some people believe that marriage
should only be between a man and a woman, others argue that same-sex couples should have the same
rights as heterosexual couples However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize
same-sex marriage, with proponents arguing that it is a fundamental human right. In this paper, I stand
that same-sex marriage should be legalized.

II. Body

Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right that is protected under the principle of equal protection
under the law. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a violation of their constitutional rights.

The legalization of same-sex marriage is a matter of equality and human rights. Denying same-sex
couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination that violates the principles of equal treatment and
human dignity. Every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, has the right to marry and form a
family, as stated in Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Legalizing same-sex
marriage is a step towards ensuring that everyone is treated equally under the law.

Legalizing same-sex marriage would provide same-sex couples with the same legal protections and
benefits that heterosexual couples enjoy. For example, same-sex couples would have access to spousal
health care benefits, inheritance rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for their partners.
These rights are crucial for ensuring that same-sex couples are not discriminated against and can live
their lives with the same protections and benefits as heterosexual couples.

Legalizing same-sex marriage would have a positive impact on society by promoting social inclusion and
reducing discrimination. When same-sex couples are allowed to marry, it sends a message that they are
valued members of society and that their relationships are just as important as heterosexual
relationships. This can lead to greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community and reduce discrimination
and stigma.
Numerous countries around the world have already legalized same-sex marriage, including Canada, the
United States, Australia, and several European countries. This demonstrates that legalizing same-sex
marriage is not only feasible but also beneficial for society. Furthermore, the trend towards legalizing
same-sex marriage is likely to continue in the future, as more and more countries recognize the
importance of equality and human rights.

The American Psychological Association (APA) has stated that "there is no scientific evidence that sexual
orientation can be changed and attempts to do so may be harmful." This means that denying same-sex
couples the right to marry can cause harm to their mental health and well-being. Denying same-sex
couples the right to marry is a violation of their basic human rights and is a form of discrimination. All
individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have the same legal rights and protections
under the law.

According to a 2018 report from the Movement Advancement Project, legalizing same-sex marriage
would extend important legal protections to same-sex couples, such as the ability to make medical
decisions for a partner and the right to inherit property. Legalizing same-sex marriage can have
economic benefits, such as increased tourism, business investment, and tax revenue. It can also reduce
the financial burden on same-sex couples by allowing them to share benefits and responsibilities, such
as health insurance and inheritance rights.

According to a study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, as of September 2021, 30
countries have legalized same-sex marriage, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and 18
European countries. The study also found that the trend towards legalizing same-sex marriage is likely to
continue, as more countries are considering or actively working towards legalizing it.

III. Conclusion

Based on the principles of equality, human rights, and social justice, same-sex marriage should be
legalized. It promotes equality, social justice, and psychological well-being, and has economic benefits.
Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination and a violation of their
constitutional rights. In conclusion, legalizing same-sex marriage is a matter of equality, human rights,
and social inclusion. It provides same-sex couples with the same legal protections and benefits that
heterosexual couples enjoy, and it promotes greater acceptance and reduces discrimination. As
international trends show, legalizing same-sex marriage is not only feasible but also beneficial for
society. Therefore, we support the legalization of same-sex marriage.

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Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legalized in the Philippines?

I. Introduction

Same-sex marriage is the legal union between two people of the same sex. It is a form of marriage that
has been traditionally prohibited in many countries due to social, cultural, and religious reasons. Same-
sex marriage has been a controversial topic for many years. While some people believe that marriage
should only be between a man and a woman, others argue that same-sex couples should have the same
rights as heterosexual couples However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to legalize
same-sex marriage, with proponents arguing that it is a fundamental human right. In this paper, I stand
that same-sex marriage should be legalized.

II. Body

A. Arguments for Legalization:

There are several compelling arguments for legalizing same-sex marriage:

1. Equality and Human Rights — The legalization of same-sex marriage is a matter of equality and human
rights. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination that violates the
principles of equal treatment and human dignity. Every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, has
the right to marry and form a family, as stated in Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR). Legalizing same-sex marriage is a step towards ensuring that everyone is treated equally under
the law.

1. Constitutional Rights: Same-sex marriage is a constitutional right that is protected under the
principle of equal protection under the law. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a violation of
their constitutional rights.

2. Benefits for Same-Sex Couples —Legalizing same-sex marriage would provide same-sex couples with
the same legal protections and benefits that heterosexual couples enjoy. For example, same-sex couples
would have access to spousal health care benefits, inheritance rights, and the ability to make medical
decisions for their partners. These rights are crucial for ensuring that same-sex couples are not
discriminated against and can live their lives with the same protections and benefits as heterosexual
couples.

1. Psychological Benefits: Legalizing same-sex marriage has been shown to have positive psychological
effects on same-sex couples and their families. It promotes social and emotional well-being by providing
same-sex couples with the same legal and social recognition as opposite-sex couples.

2. Economic Benefits: Legalizing same-sex marriage can have economic benefits, such as increased
tourism, business investment, and tax revenue. It can also reduce the financial burden on same-sex
couples by allowing them to share benefits and responsibilities, such as health insurance and inheritance
rights.

3. Positive Impact on Society — Legalizing same-sex marriage would have a positive impact on society by
promoting social inclusion and reducing discrimination. When same-sex couples are allowed to marry, it
sends a message that they are valued members of society and that their relationships are just as
important as heterosexual relationships. This can lead to greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community
and reduce discrimination and stigma.

4. International Trends — Numerous countries around the world have already legalized same-sex
marriage, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and several European countries. This
demonstrates that legalizing same-sex marriage is not only feasible but also beneficial for society.
Furthermore, the trend towards legalizing same-sex marriage is likely to continue in the future, as more
and more countries recognize the importance of equality and human rights.

B. Supporting Evidences of the Arguments

1. The American Psychological Association (APA) has stated that "there is no scientific evidence that
sexual orientation can be changed and attempts to do so may be harmful." This means that denying
same-sex couples the right to marry can cause harm to their mental health and well-being. (APA, 2021)

2. According to a 2018 report from the Movement Advancement Project, legalizing same-sex marriage
would extend important legal protections to same-sex couples, such as the ability to make medical
decisions for a partner and the right to inherit property. (Movement Advancement Project, 2018)

3. Same-sex marriage has been shown to have positive effects on the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
A study in the United States found that after same-sex marriage was legalized, there was an increase in
life satisfaction among LGBTQ+ individuals. (Reczek et al., 2021)

4. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (2019) found that legalizing same-sex
marriage can promote social inclusion and reduce discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The report
cited examples from countries such as Argentina, Canada, and South Africa. (UNDP, 2019)

5. Same-sex marriage is already legal in many countries around the world, including Canada, Australia,
and much of Europe. These countries have not experienced any negative consequences as a result of
legalizing same-sex marriage. (Pew Research Center, 2021)

6. According to a study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, as of September 2021, 30
countries have legalized same-sex marriage, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and 18
European countries. The study also found that the trend towards legalizing same-sex marriage is likely to
continue, as more countries are considering or actively working towards legalizing it. (The Williams
Institute, 2021)

7. Legalizing same-sex marriage can promote greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+
individuals in society. A study in the United States found that after same-sex marriage was legalized,
there was an increase in positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. (Flores et al., 2018)

8. In 2019, a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that children raised by same-
sex parents had similar levels of emotional well-being and academic achievement as those raised by
opposite-sex parents. (Goldberg et al., 2019)
III. Conclusion

Based on the principles of equality, human rights, and social justice, same-sex marriage should be
legalized. It promotes equality, social justice, and psychological well-being, and has economic benefits.
Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a form of discrimination and a violation of their
constitutional rights. In conclusion, legalizing same-sex marriage is a matter of equality, human rights,
and social inclusion. It provides same-sex couples with the same legal protections and benefits that
heterosexual couples enjoy, and it promotes greater acceptance and reduces discrimination. As
international trends show, legalizing same-sex marriage is not only feasible but also beneficial for
society. Therefore, we support the legalization of same-sex marriage.