AS the Supreme Court (SC) started oral arguments on a petition from gays and lesbians to allow same-sex marriage in the Philippines on Tuesday, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community gathered in front of its office in Manila to express support for the plea.

“Hindi issue kung parte ka ng LGBT community, ang mahalaga ay may puso ka at may kakayahang mag-mahal. Sana puso ang pairalin nila,” said one of the rallyists during a program entitled “Rally for Marriage Equality.”





The rainbow flag, which is the primary symbol of the LGBT community, was raised in the rally.

The Metropolitan Community Church, a Christian church that accepts members of the LGBT community, expressed its support.

“Hari nawa ang petition ni Atty. Falcis ay maisabatas ngunit ganoon pa man, kahit maisabatas ang marriage equality sa Senado, hindi pa rin po natatapos ang laban ng mga LGBT at ng maraming mga minorya. Hindi porket magkakaroon ng batas ay magbabago na ang isip at puso ng lipunan. Malayo-layo pa ang tatahakin ng mga minorya,” a pastor of the church said.

Lawyer Jesus Falcis, in his petition, urged the high tribunal to revoke Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which explicitly dictates that marriage within the country must only be “between a man and a woman” and Articles 46 and 55 as it mentioned homosexuality and lesbianism to be legal grounds for annulment and separation.

The Office of the Solicitor General sought for a dismissal of Falcis’ petition. KIM MALAIT