[juliamaquinto-blog]

Madam and Eve, Adam and Steve: Same-sex Relationships in the Philippines

The Philippines ranks as the most gay-friendly country in Asia, and the 10th among 39 countries covered by a global survey. However, despite high numbers, the country still frowns upon same-sex relationships, more so, same-sex marriage. Despite the protests, the country stands firm on its grounds and there might be little to no hope that same-sex marriage will be legalized in the Philippines due to its religious background. As a Catholic, the mainstream answer would be to support the church. I, however, hope that the country would change its views and support the LGBT community. 

The Roman Catholic religion is not the only religion in the world. There are roughly 4,200 religions out there. The idea that homosexuality is a sin is only believed upon by the number of those religions. We are taught as a child to respect the beliefs of other people. For example, Iglesia ni Cristo believers are not allowed to eat dinuguan and we never judged them for that. Muslims don’t eat pork, and we even cater to their needs. So why can’t we accept the fact that some religions allow homosexual relationships without frowning upon them?

Majority of our countrymen might be Catholic, but that does not mean that everyone in the country is, added to that, not every Catholic believes that same-sex marriage should not be legalized. This is why there is a law about the separation of church and state. The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. (Article II, Section 6). Furthermore, no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. So why is the government not allowing same-sex marriage?

Our God is a God filled with love, mercy and compassion. Our God promotes love. When did loving someone become such a bad thing? If their happiness does not step on yours, why step on theirs? All they ever did was to love each other, and here we are, mere humans, destroying the love that they have. If our God knows how to forgive and accept sinners, why can’t we? Let God be the judge of their love. Even Pope Francis supports the community. Pope Francis said that he is aware that many cultures and religions find expressions of homosexuality “offensive,” but having a “different mentality” should not be a justification for harm or ill will toward the LGBT community. “I repeat what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: that they must not be discriminated against, that they must be respected and accompanied pastorally,” he added. The observations echoed a now-famous remark he made while returning from a week-long trip to Brazil in 2013, when he said “Who am I to judge?” in relation to homosexuals. “If a person is gay and seeks to God and has good will, who am I to judge?” he said, after his first foreign trip as pontiff. Many have hailed the religious leader’s statements as “a groundbreaking moment” for LGBT people. If the head of the church supports it, shouldn’t the followers do so as well?

One can argue that the country loves gay people, but this is not how I see it. The way I see it, our country only tolerates the LGBT community. The statement “I’ll beat my son up if he comes out gay to turn him into a man.” still prevails among fathers in the country. When Charice Pempengco came out as Jake Zyrus, there were criticisms everywhere and people all over social networking sites began to mock him. Is this the same country that ranked first as the most gay-friendly country in Asia? 

There’s no hope that the church would accept same-sex marriage and I know that. What I’m asking is for the government to start being unbiased and legalize marriage. There are three kinds of marriages in the Philippines namely: Religious weddings, Civil weddings and Military weddings. If religions cannot grant these couples the right to marry each other, the government should allow them to marry under the law. They are human beings—people of this nation—and the government shouldn’t restrict them these rights just because of gender and religion. However, this doesn’t mean that I would tolerate immoral acts.

[juliamaquinto-blog]

Self support HAHAHAHHA

[danialleo]

WE ARE ALL ENTITLED TO LIVE FREE AND EQUAL

For many years, Gender discrimination has been a universal problem. Over a century and a half of fighting for gender equality and we have yet to say that we have achieved this. I am writing this because I want discrimination in genders to stop. In fact, these years have amounted to nothing with we cannot stop the horrors occurring in the world around us that you probably don’t even know.

In Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive, despite numerous protests. They have to rely to their fathers or partners to get them from place to place. In countries like Egypt and Bahrain, husbands have the right to stop their wives to travel to a different country. Other countries requires a permission from the husband to leave the country. In most of the middle east, gender inequality is pervasive as men are typically viewed as superior. In most cases like divorce, men can file it with ease and can even just announce orally. While women on the other hand, suffer through many challenges before filing one. In Lebanon, abused women are not allowed to file for a divorce unless a witness is willing to testify. Thus, I am writing to promote gender equality.

First of all, what do we mean by gender equality? It is by definition a belief that all of us are equally the same despite our genders. These are human rights. Not of men, but of men and women together. All humans are born with equal rights and dignity. When a girl crying is considered normal while a guy crying is considered too weak and unmanly, when a guy who is effeminate is considered “gay”, when women are believed to supposedly be “in the kitchen” and men are the ones who need to work, when wages are higher to men than to women. This kind of mentality has to stop, in Christ’s teachings, he teaches us to love one another equally as we are all brothers and sisters. We are all brothers and sisters because we are all made by one creator and he created us out of his own image. Therefore, why do we depict discrimination? Why shouldn’t we all just be equal in all forms? We can change this, men should be able to express their emotions without being called “weak and unmanly”, women should be able to work feely without someone telling them that they should be the one taking care of house chores, men can be effeminate without them being gay. When a social experiment was conducted at London to see how the public would react to the issue about domestic violence. It showed that violence towards women was met with outrage and threats on calling the police while, violence towards men was met with public humiliation and amusement. It is sad to see that the world revolves like this.

It is time that we make a change, it is time that we, the next generation stand up to gender equality. As Hilary Clinton said “it is time that we move from good words to good works, from sound bites to sound solutions” we are all equal, neither of us is superior nor inferior. We need to make a solution. Because we are the next generation, we are the future and we are the change.

[chxsannell]

I am no one’s property

Do you even have any sense of humanity in you? There are many social issues being discussed right now and yet here we are being ignorant of the real and bigger problem. Human Trafficking, is a modern-day slavery and every year millions of men, women and children all around the world becomes a victim of human trafficking.  I’ve seen news all over social media about how people are being forced to slavery and I stand against it because it goes against every moral values and beliefs I know as a Catholic.  

It was stated in Deuteronomy 24:7, ““If a man is found stealing one of his brothers of the people of Israel, and if he treats him as a slave or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.” The victims of Human Trafficking have often been accused of prostitution or underage sex, in the first place did they ask to be taken away from their families and become sex slaves? No they did not ask such a horrible experience to happen in their lives, they simply we’re forced and threatened so why accuse them of something that they didn’t even want to happen to their selves? They already have been through enough. I read a story about how a woman was walking back to her house after shopping at a mall and how two men took her and sold her as a prostitute wherein she was in the business for 9 years all because the men who kidnapped her thought she would make a perfect prostitute because she showed a little skin. Woman are being depict at wanting “it” when we show a little skin which is raises another problem because of some people’s ill opinions about how a woman should not dress that way. We should never judge someone just because of the clothes they wear.

We have no right to own or forced a human being into something they do not want. God gave us all free will and said that we are all equal, one is not less than the other and one is not greater than the other we are all equal. That’s why human trafficking is something that goes against God. No one should think to that they are above others, that’s plain idiotic. No one can take away your freedom which is why we should all be aware of the dangers of human trafficking and help each other prevent this horrendous crime from blighting our world even further.

Nobody owns you and you don’t own anybody, people in power often think that just because they have the power they think the people below them are now their property. Let me tell you this, there isn’t anyone in this world powerful enough to own someone except God for we are his children. As God’s children we are equal and one is never above the other.

People argue that the victims of human trafficking were careless and therefore deserve what happened to them as they were not careful enough which is why they were taken and forced into a life they did not want. Human trafficking or any crime for the matter can happen unexpectedly one minute you’re just having fun with friends the next you’re being taken away from your family possibly never seeing them ever again. We should all realize no one deserves this kind of crime to happen to them. No one deserves to be miserable and forced into slavery this is not the medieval age, it is estimated that human traffickers earn 100 billion profit and here is the other cause of human trafficking which is greed.. Stop human trafficking, stop modern-day slavery, stop child labour, stop prostitution. We all deserve to be free.

Human Trafficking is still alive and continues today in every country in the world. Women forced into prostitution. Girls married off to older men. Children being taken away from their families and are being forced into labor.  Modern day slavery should be stopped because there is more to it than some people may think, human trafficking is connected to rape, abuse and gender inequality. There are organizations that help stop and prevent human trafficking from being more destructive than it already is, let’s all help and join in the cause of helping and stopping human trafficking. Don’t do it for yourself, do it for the future of our generations.

[juliamaquinto-blog]

!!!

[balingitshaine-blog]

Same-Sex Marriage vs. Roman Catholicism

Countries particularly in Europe has practiced and accepted this ceremony, even in the United States, allowing civil unions of the same sex.  But is the Philippines ready for embracing this practice or having it legalized like what some countries did? Personally, and being Asia’s bastion of Roman Catholicism, and to preserve our culture, I oppose the gay union to be legalize in our country.

In an article I read in Rappler by Jonas Bagas, he mentioned that social attitude of Filipinos are gradually shifting and that the state should start recognizing unions of same sex.  Yes, our social outlook is shifting at a fast pace as well as the growth of the LGBT community and how they become more open and present in arts/entertainment and even in politics.  But the idea of same-sex marriage is not a priority.  There are in fact, much important issues that needs to be addressed which aims to benefit the greater population and not just a small fraction which is concern the third sex or LGBT.  Should partners on same sex finds a dire need to make their bond official, there are other and costly ways to make the union possible, in overseas.

This matter has long been debated in our country.  In fact, Former Representative Etta Rosales filed a same-sex marriage bill in the House 18 years ago, but it has never progressed beyond first-round discussions.  Senator Risa Hontiveros sponsored a counterpart measure in the upper chamber last year. That bill has received a first reading, but it still has a long way to go before becoming a law.  The bill seeks to eliminate discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people in education, health, labor and other sectors. Senators are set to debate the proposal and amend some provisions if necessary before putting it up for a new round of voting on the floor.

It is true that some would automatically blame the Catholic and its heads, and how it has been trying to control our political institutions.  But is the Church really that powerful?  Or the problem is that the state is weak.  Reforming the catholic hierarchy is not the solution to achieve recognition of same-sex union.   Instead, Filipinos should probably be focusing on trying to reform the state and its outlook towards the new society.  Good luck to that.

Same-sex marriage is a very sensitive issue, but it is above all about our sectarian values – whether it be all about basic fairness and our constitutional rights, about human dignity regardless of the sex of the people we love.  Or as once said by Ms. Rosales, “When people love each other, whether heterosexual or of the same sex, what is paramount is the love towards the other person’s humanity,” and “this must be respected. Same-sex marriage, deriving from that principle, protects both parties with respect to property rights and even in caring for children both parties decide to adopt.

In this day in age and for the many years to come, the idea of allowing same sex marriage for me as a Filipino is unlikely to happen.  This is mainly due our culture and religion, which has been the bedrock of the civil code which states a man can only marry a woman, and a woman to marry a man.  That is our law.  So what if some European countries and the United States allowed same sex marriages?  That’s for them. That cannot apply to us, because we are Catholics. 

[juliannech]

An Eye for an Eye

  “Real eyes realize real lies.” Cliché? Of course. You hear it everywhere. Others say all you have to do is look into the eyes and you will realize. But then, what do you realize?

  William Shakespeare once said, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Now look into the eyes and tell me what you see. Do you see a goon in a man full of tattoos? Or a hooker in a lady sitting with a bunch of men? Is seeing enough for believing? If that’s the case, how can you see the good in someone if he, himself, doesn’t even know he has it? I want you to take another look. More closely, more precisely, do you see the fire burning in their eyes as emotions yearn to transpire? Because here, I ask of you, you need to see beyond a façade.

  Hiding the tears that fall like the rain and the marks made by a blade. How did he get here? Let’s start from the very beginning. While major depressive disorder’s exact cause remains unknown; sexual and emotional abuse, medical conditions, combination of genes, and stress can increase the risk of developing the condition. In fact, citing a report of the National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC) of the Philippine General Hospital, Filipino kids as young as 10 years old have committed suicide due to depression. It tends to become a big reason in doubting God and His ways of strengthening our faith in Him. People with depression tend to think that there is always something missing. They feel lost as they are waiting for someone who can fully understand their situation without having to look at them with judging eyes. It appears that these people seem to be always hiding. Yes, hiding their emotions to  the world and its censorious eyes. The thing here is, the emotions they keep suppressing are also the emotions that make them humans. I want you to understand that depression affects not only the person’s outlook in life, but also the people’s stance toward him. The question here shouldn’t only be how his soul can overcome the despair written in his eyes but also how the people would look underneath the illusion and see the Church in him.

  Rather than assessing the credibility of a person, why not open an opportunity for him to uncover the potentials he is hiding? Here is a passage from Romans 14:1 - “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” It states here that he, who is not well acquainted with the principles of the Church, should be welcomed. Not to be judged by the thoughts that differ from him, but to bear with his weakness.  This tells us not to see others over non-essentials things. Instead, we must accept them and see the good in them for we are all created in the image and likeness of God.

  The Church here stands as a structure. Not a building but a structure. It is a structure that is planted within us. May it be in a dark place or in a place where the sun never stops rising. Still, it is the Church. Whether in a problematic person or a person with the most positive outlook in life, the Church will remain being the Church that dwells in us.

  I assume you all know the game ‘hide and seek’. You hide and I will seek. No. Because starting today, we will change the game. WE will seek. They do not need to hide to the world because we will seek with them to find what is missing. We will seek to know the feelings that they are hiding inside. We will seek to see the true form of the Holy Spirit that lives within each and every one of us. Today is not a day to use your eyes to see, today is the day you start using your heart to really see, feel and understand.

  I want you to stay in front of a mirror while reading the title once again. This time I want you to see that the eyes aren’t just mere windows, but a connection of the mundane world to the core of humanity. A soul seeing another soul, an eye reflecting the center of a human’s core. Now, look closely at the mirror. Observe. Slowly, carefully, I want you to fathom that it takes more than what meets the eye to view your heart’s desire. Now tell me, do you still see the color of your eyes or a reflection that lies within your eyes?   

[smnthtjd-blog]

Worst of the Worst

     What jurisdiction does the law have over ones life?  Talk about the case of an innocent man who was sentenced to death. Have you ever been punished for something you didn’t do? Imagine how he felt on death row, knowing that he had absolutely nothing to do with the crime that he was sentenced for. It’s like they’re murdering people, through their own crimes.

     Death Penalty is a punishment of execution administered to someone legally convicted of capital crime. Due to rising number of crimes in our country, death penalty is regarded as necessary deterrent to heinous crimes. Debate is still going on in its validity. This resulted in a wide discrepancy of laws on this issue. Killing, in my view is still not the solution. We always think that in the end it’s always for the interest of common good.

     Punishing criminals is important in any government policy. Government that fails to maintain the welfare of the citizen leaves citizen unprotected. In todays society, the government presumes that those who commit horrible crimes should be executed. I strongly support the abolishment of death penalty because of my religious beliefs and the fact that killing is flawed and furthermore unconstitutional.

     Death penalty is not the solution to achieve the goal of safer country. What if some of these people being executed are victims of legal mistakes? I don’t believe that death penalty necessarily mean that it will deter crime. There are many aspects of solutions to crime like placing curfews on teenagers, alcohol consumptions rule and many more preventive measures. 

     We are blinded by the thoughts of wrong being right. As a Catholic, only God can judge us. The Supreme Court should not have the option to decide whether we live or die. Is this the kind of faith that we believe in? Pope John Paul II once said that the death penalty is both cruel and unnecessary. “Modern society has the means of protecting itself without definitely denying criminals the chance to reform.” I think locking those people up for the rest of their life is punishment enough. We should make them feel remorseful for their actions.

     How many people had a death sentence carried out before the right evidence was brought to life? Anything that kills innocent people, or has the potential to do so, cannot be considered moral. But death penalty has also moral effects on society. God gave us life so only God can take human life. We pray for all people that their lives and dignity as children of loving God maybe respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.

     Punishment by death is the ultimate punishment and one that cannot be taken back, so death penalty should be abolished. It should no longer be an option of our country’s constitution. It is against my religious beliefs and life values. Our country will never gain peace if we are killing our own citizens. Only Him should decide if we should stay on this Earth, not the government itself.

[jomiguuu]

Discrimination

Have you ever been made fun of because of your skin color? Or because you were certain clothes that people in other religions don’t wear?  Have people avoided you just because of what you look like? This is discrimination. According to Google Dictionary,” discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex”.  Discrimination also includes religious discrimination.  I myself have witnessed discrimination in my community, and I think it needs to be stopped.

               According to GoodTherapy.org, ” People who are discriminated against can suffer significant negative consequences. General well-being, self-esteem, self-worth, and social relations can be severely impacted as a result of discrimination.” This could affect their well-being as a person. Discrimination makes people sad.  Some students who are discriminated may even stop studying due to severe depression.

              But you might be thinking, why do I want discrimination to stop? I myself have experienced discrimination in my life. I’ve been made fun of and laughed at for being unable to speak Filipino in school. I wasn’t all that familiar with the language because I grew up in a country where English was the main language of communication. Luckily,  I wasn’t discouraged and started to learn how to speak in Filipino. I’m one of the lucky ones. Other people go through worse than me. I know what It feels like to be discriminated.

               No one should live in the fear of being the laughingstock for others. Discrimination needs to stop. Everyone should be free to do and speak what they want. No one should make fun of others just because they’re different. It’s okay to be different. It’s not okay to make fun of that difference. You too can help stop discrimination by just being okay with others, no matter what their difference is..

[mariellexmagalay]

Give Life a Chance to Live

Life is a one-time offer. Use it well. Having said so, I am against the RH BILL, and you should also be. Everyone must be aware and involved in this popular issue in our society now a days.  So, what is RH BILL? It is basically permitting people the program to tell about condoms, pills and ways to prevent pregnancy to kids at a young age, which certainly is not right. It’s also like taking away the chance of an innocent individual to live. Saying No to RH Bill is the other way of saying “I am against killing”.

RH Bill may be considered immoral and goes against the will of God, thus it gathers opposition from the Catholic Church. The stand of the church in contrast to RH Bill is mainly because of their beliefs and religion. They believe that contraception will only destroy the rights of an unborn child. Furthermore, according to the Church, contraception also makes spouses lie about their total self-gift to their spouse, by not surrendering their personal fertility. Eric Manalang of “Ang Kapatiran” stated that, “It promotes promiscuity among children… it does not promote the proper values that we want our children to receive in schools and we believe sex education should strictly remain a family affair.” The RH Bill undermines the institution of marriage. It also undermines parental authority and the family, which are against Christian principles. It is why the church strictly disagrees to the said law.  

We are part of the population that was given a chance to live, to breathe, and to witness what the world looks like. Therefore, let us also share what we had witnessed and give an innocent child a chance to live. The only way for this to be possible is to go against RH Bill and prevent giving the right to violate one’s freedom of expression. Numerous act of abortion is brutally done in some parts of the world and the Philippines is not an exception. We have to be a united nation and to be responsible enough to choose life.

Allow me to state the disadvantages of RH bill to you. Sex should be discussed at home by the parents not through government programs. Approving this bill affects the right of the parents in teaching their young ones about morality. Filipinos are conservative in nature. Our country will become less conservative because of the bill, thus it affects our culture and our way of showing respect to the women. Increase in contraceptive use leads to higher abortion rate. The RH bill carries with it an oppressive punishment for people who will not comply with it, making disagreeing with it and teaching something contrary to it, a crime. The RH bill will teach the entire nation, especially the young people, its definitions of human sexuality, sex, sexual identity, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy and gender roles. They will also define contraception and abortion. We reject the RH bill because it encourages a two-child policy. We reject the RH bill because it’s really about money for contraceptive manufacturers and suppliers. The government provided 3 million pesos for condoms and contraceptives, rather than allot budget for our country’s education. Why just not give attention to our society’s real problem which is corruption, not population? But How can we stop RH Bill if not all feels welcomed to participate?

Is this the protection they are talking about? Tito Sotto said, “I strongly believe that Senate Bill 2865 is not necessary, not beneficial and not practical for our people. It will not serve the common good and therefore should be rejected.” He also added, The RH bill violates Philippine sovereignty, the Philippine Constitution and existing penal laws. The RH bill is detrimental to the health of a pregnant mother and puts the life of the unborn on the line. The RH bill violates our financial independence and the autonomy of local governments. The RH bill transgresses Filipino culture and family values. RH Bill harms women and the unborn rather than protecting them.

I may only be just a student, a minor, but I am concerned and I care about this certain issue. I want to make the Philippines believe that RH bill isn’t the answer to improve our country’s state and to solve our problems. I felt that I have to choose my position, I chose to say “NO TO RH BILL”. I believe that we should value life once we’re given the chance, for the reason that not all have the opportunity.

It is time for us to take a step forward and be a pro-life. I am inviting you to make a change, to be seen and to be heard. RH Bill: Are you for or against it? Take your choice.

[giannagaviola]

Acceptance, Not Rejection

     I may be a Catholic but I support and accept the LGBT community. Many may believe that being a Catholic means being homophobic or going against people who aren’t straight because it states in the Bible that God created man and woman in His image. Yes, it is correct that God created man and woman, but it is wrong to assume that all Catholics are homophobic because of this reason. Homophobia doesn’t come from being Catholic; homophobia comes from cultural conservatism. Nobody is born homophobic. It’s not a matter of religion; it’s a matter of societal orientation and expectation.

     I have gay and pansexual friends and they’re very kind, loving, and smart people; we probably all have a friend who’s not straight yet we love so much from the bottom of our hearts. They are the reasons why I choose to not ignore this issue even if I myself am straight.

    Being an internet girl has made me learn so many things outside of school, including the beautiful concept that is Feminism. This concept has made me learn so much and has lead me to become one myself. I may lack knowledge on certain things other long-term feminists know very much about, but I have the heart and the willingness to learn and to grow as one, so that I may change my wrong viewpoints and influence people to do the same.

    Feminist accounts I follow online have influenced me to stop using certain words as a joke like gay and crazy. They’ve also thought me that people who dictate beauty standards are often people who body shame and are racist. There are so much more but it would take me too long to name all of these things. However, above all of these things, they have influenced me to speak up for those who may not be able to: LGBT in particular for this piece.

    Yes, some of them are accepted by their families and friends and can freely strut around with people knowing that they’re not straight, but it’s undeniable that most still suffer from the consequences of homophobia. According to some researches compiled by Fenway Health, 8 out of 10 students have been verbally harassed at school and 80% of transgender students reported feeling unsafe at school.

   Last June 24, just this year, a Pride Parade was held in Marikina here in the Philippines. Although homosexuality is still not fully accepted yet here in the Philippines, this is still a good sign and a good beginning.

    On the 28th of July 2013, uttered his famous words “If someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” On the 30th of September 2013, Pope Francis himself said that God doesn’t condemn LGBT individuals. In 2014, Brazilian Cardinal Cláudio Hummes said that he didn’t know if Jesus would oppose to same sex marriage.

    The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says that the Church teaches that homosexuals should be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity and that those who minister in the name of the Church should in no way contribute to the hatred and violence given to homosexuals.

    Ergo, being a Catholic is never an excuse or a reason to mistreat members of the LGBT community in any way. Just like us, they are also people and they deserve to be treated with respect since they’re human too. Some Catholics may be homophobic but their opinion does not represent their entire Church, as much as my opinion does not represent them. All I’m trying to say is, someone’s preferred gender does not equate to their value as people and must be given the same opportunities that heterosexuals have. They should not be assaulted whether verbally or physically, just because they chose to be truthful to themselves.

    They still have human dignity and they are still created by God just like us. If you’re one of the people who have hurt homosexuals for being such, ask yourself the following questions: Will God be pleased with what I’m doing? Does this give me more value than them? Are my actions justified because of my beliefs, or am I just being insensitive? If I’m citing from the Bible, am I sure that my interpretations are correct?

[juliamaquinto-blog]

Madam and Eve, Adam and Steve: Same-sex Relationships in the Philippines

The Philippines ranks as the most gay-friendly country in Asia, and the 10th among 39 countries covered by a global survey. However, despite high numbers, the country still frowns upon same-sex relationships, more so, same-sex marriage. Despite the protests, the country stands firm on its grounds and there might be little to no hope that same-sex marriage will be legalized in the Philippines due to its religious background. As a Catholic, the mainstream answer would be to support the church. I, however, hope that the country would change its views and support the LGBT community. 

The Roman Catholic religion is not the only religion in the world. There are roughly 4,200 religions out there. The idea that homosexuality is a sin is only believed upon by the number of those religions. We are taught as a child to respect the beliefs of other people. For example, Iglesia ni Cristo believers are not allowed to eat dinuguan and we never judged them for that. Muslims don’t eat pork, and we even cater to their needs. So why can’t we accept the fact that some religions allow homosexual relationships without frowning upon them?

Majority of our countrymen might be Catholic, but that does not mean that everyone in the country is, added to that, not every Catholic believes that same-sex marriage should not be legalized. This is why there is a law about the separation of church and state. The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. (Article II, Section 6). Furthermore, no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. So why is the government not allowing same-sex marriage?

Our God is a God filled with love, mercy and compassion. Our God promotes love. When did loving someone become such a bad thing? If their happiness does not step on yours, why step on theirs? All they ever did was to love each other, and here we are, mere humans, destroying the love that they have. If our God knows how to forgive and accept sinners, why can’t we? Let God be the judge of their love. Even Pope Francis supports the community. Pope Francis said that he is aware that many cultures and religions find expressions of homosexuality “offensive,” but having a “different mentality” should not be a justification for harm or ill will toward the LGBT community. “I repeat what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says: that they must not be discriminated against, that they must be respected and accompanied pastorally,” he added. The observations echoed a now-famous remark he made while returning from a week-long trip to Brazil in 2013, when he said “Who am I to judge?” in relation to homosexuals. “If a person is gay and seeks to God and has good will, who am I to judge?” he said, after his first foreign trip as pontiff. Many have hailed the religious leader’s statements as “a groundbreaking moment” for LGBT people. If the head of the church supports it, shouldn’t the followers do so as well?

One can argue that the country loves gay people, but this is not how I see it. The way I see it, our country only tolerates the LGBT community. The statement “I’ll beat my son up if he comes out gay to turn him into a man.” still prevails among fathers in the country. When Charice Pempengco came out as Jake Zyrus, there were criticisms everywhere and people all over social networking sites began to mock him. Is this the same country that ranked first as the most gay-friendly country in Asia? 

There’s no hope that the church would accept same-sex marriage and I know that. What I’m asking is for the government to start being unbiased and legalize marriage. There are three kinds of marriages in the Philippines namely: Religious weddings, Civil weddings and Military weddings. If religions cannot grant these couples the right to marry each other, the government should allow them to marry under the law. They are human beings—people of this nation—and the government shouldn’t restrict them these rights just because of gender and religion. However, this doesn’t mean that I would tolerate immoral acts.