The spokesperson of the LGBT rights group Bahaghari said Thursday now is the time to pass the law for same-sex civil unions in the Philippines following the endorsement of Pope Francis.
“There is so much that is being taken away (from) LGBTQ families because the state doesn’t recognize their unions, and I believe it’s time we change that,” Rey Valmores-Salinas told ANC.
“Pope Francis, while his words are definitely groundbreaking, … it is a manifestation of how society at large is beginning to have a deeper understanding and greater empathy for LGBTQ couples,” she added.
For the first time, Pope Francis expressed support for the same-sex civil unions in the new documentary film “Francesco.”
Bahaghari: It’s time to legalize same-sex civil unions in PH
Salinas said a law legalizing same-sex civil unions in the Philippines should be passed, and the Family Code should be amended.
“We have a very dated Family Code. The Philippines has always prided itself in being a Catholic nation, and I do believe that if the Pope himself recognize us, that it is a human right for LGBTQ couples to form families, then our position as a Catholic country also demands that we recognize these LGBTQ couples,” she said.
“It’s a huge thing when the Pope, himself, recognizes the inalienable rights of the LGBTQ community to form families.”
“Even if we have a new Pope in the future, even if we have a Pope who goes against what Pope Francis leaves on today, I think it’s inevitable for society to move forward in a manner that actually accepts and embraces the diversity of our human sexual orientation, gender identities, and expressions.”
Palace also said Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte agreed on the Pope’s support for same-sex couples’ civil union.