Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community all over the world have been celebrating since Friday (June 27, PHT) after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled same-sex marriage as legal in all 50 states of the U.S.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, a mass LGBT wedding was held for the ninth year in Manila last Sunday (June 28). But the marriage ceremony was, just like in the past years, a union without any legal entity to bind couples together.
LGBT rights advocate Jonas Bagas, executive director of TLF Sexuality, Health, and Rights Educator (TLF Share) Collective, talked to CNN Philippines on Monday (June 29) to discuss whether love can also win in the Philippines, just like how it won in the United States.
The LGBT community is optimistic that the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S. will soon pave way for more talks of equality in the Philippines.
Read: Filipino LGBT community rejoices after US legalizes gay marriage
Bagas said that it is important for marriages between LGBTs be made legal because a marriage not recognized by the state does not receive all the benefits and entitlements, as compared to marriages authorized by the law.
This includes the lack of right to own property together, to have a child, and to be the legal guardian of their partner, among others.
“This makes marriage unequal in our country. It leaves LGBTs disempowered,” he added.
Bagas said same-sex marriage in the Philippines is not a question whether the country is ready or not, but the question of making sure that human rights is enjoyed by all Filipinos regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Related: Lawyer seeks Supreme Court’s nod on same-sex marriage in PH
He added that regardless of all the barriers, he thinks that it is time to discuss legalizing same-sex marriage in the country.
“By attacking LGBT relationships, we end up committing harm to the community in terms of discrimination.”
Read: ‘Booking’ on Grindr: Three gays, three ways
Amid all the celebrations, there are still critics that oppose the U.S. ruling, but Bagas thinks that opposing views are inevitable.
He sent those fear-mongerers a strong and clear message: “What unites us is the universal truth that at the end of the day, we don’t really choose who we love and the state should be able to recognize that universal truth. Focus on what unites us.”
Related: What CBCP has to say about US SC’s ruling on same-sex marriage
He cited that many other countries have legalized same-sex marriage and their societies did not collapse.
Watch: Transpinay Geena Rocero fights for LGBT rights in PH
Bagas admitted that the Philippines still has a long way to go in terms of legalizing same-sex marriage in the country, but added that in the end, there is this universal truth that we do not choose who we love and it is only right for the state to recognize any consenting adult to get into a relationship with whoever they choose.
