Philippines Congressman Pushes Through Second Attempt at Same-Sex Civil Partnerships
Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez is now attempting for the second time to make same-sex partnerships legal in the Philippines after a first bid for equality failed in 2018.
The bill would allow couples to enter into a legal union “whether they are of the opposite or of the same sex.”
Alvarez explained: “It aims to be a landmark effort to provide civil rights, benefits, and responsibilities to couples, previously unable to marry, by giving them due recognition and protection from the State.”
The Philippines previously tried to gauge public opinion on the issue by conducting an online poll.
Local LGBT+ rights groups heavily criticised the poll, claiming it was “misleading and irresponsible to ask for public opinion on a nuanced issue with such inadequate information and narrow choices.”
“Our congress should not decide on our rights solely on the basis of personal opinions or mere online polls,” said LAGABLAB, an advocacy organisation.
They have also criticised the civil partnership bill, saying it “will not, in any way, be marriage equality.
“While it provides for protections and obligations, it also creates a distinction between married couples and civil partners.”
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