Boniel, Kim Ciara E. Ethics Prof.

Joseph Mirvin Dadap

Cheng, Catherine P. BSN 1 – 3
Malanyaon, Ruth M. p.109

On the Legalization of Same Sex Marriage in the Philippines:

Summary & Reflection

To sum it all, we now have learned more about the varying perspectives of those who
are IN FAVOR of same sex marriage and those who are AGAINST it.

Given the fact that the pro-same sex marriage side is advocating for equal rights,
especially among the members of the LGBT to enjoy the same privileges as heterosexual
couples — it is only but appropriate to consider this notion as a strength. If we draw the
decision from the fact that all of us are equal under the Law, enjoying and living the same
equal rights, then why not allow them to get married just like the rest of the population do?
The only weakness that we identified from this stand is that the decision would still be up to
the Church, even if the State legalizes the same sex marriage. Because after all, marriage is
a sacrament. And regarding matters like this, the Church still has the final verdict.

Upon hearing as to why some people are still against the idea of same sex
marriage, we have understood that these people are really mindful of the writings in the
Bible as well as the teachings of the Church. Our interviewee also expressed that allowing
same sex marriage might affect the next generations of children, once they are introduced to
the world and discover that same sex couples or “parents” exist. It would be difficult to
raise children and inculcate within their young minds that people of same sex can be together,
despite not being able to procreate. Children might get confused even more once they find out
that they are adopted or products of far more complex experiments like IVF methods.

From what we’ve learned from the interview, we think that a dialogue is possible
among the opposing sides. But no matter how progressive that dialogue goes, the final
verdict, as mentioned earlier — would still be up to the Church. Because as a country
where majority of the population are Catholics and Christians — the possibility of legalizing
same sex marriage remains relatively thin and will probably be carved in our history as
a continuous controversy within our country.
Reflection/s from the interview:

“Basing from the perspectives of those in favor and those against the legalization of
same sex marriage here in the Philippines made me realize that Filipino culture,
is undeniably conservative. It is also evident that conflict exists between those who
continuously stick to our cultural norms and those who advocate for change and acceptance
(like the members of LGBT community). Although it is true that we cannot blame others for
having different beliefs from ours, the same goes for the fact that each and everyone of us
deserve a shot at love. And this is manifested in the hundreds of songs written on
how we cannot choose who we end up loving and how all of us deserve to make this choice.”
— Kim Ciara Boniel

“Both interviews on this topic reminded me of our generation today.

Our generation today is composed of modern and traditional thinkers. All of us have our
own beliefs, morals and values. What we think is right or wrong differs from everyone else’s.
And if that happens, we shouldn’t try and engrave our opinions on someone. We are all
different, and we should respect that. We all have our own lives to begin with, and its our
choice how to live it. In my opinion, do not let people turn you down, just do yourself, and
what makes you happy as long as you’re not causing others any harm.”
— Catherine Cheng

“After the two interviews that we had, having one person who’s in favor and not in favor
in same sex marriage, it made me realize that every other person has their own opinion.
They have their own thoughts in terms of every issue we have in this place we live in but despite
of these differences, we should all respect each other’s opinion. When that person has a
different view from you, that doesn’t mean that, that person is wrong. We should always
be open to different views that may come to us, and we shouldn’t see this as a negative
thing or that the other person is your enemy. We should be able to learn how to respect each
other but at the same time, giving and sharing our own views in a good possible way.”
— Ruth Malanyaon