House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez yesterday disclosed that he has started drafting a bill allowing “same sex marriage” in pursuance of a constitutional provision that guarantees the happiness of citizens of the State and said that he wants it approved during the 17th Congress.
Alvarez told a press conference that he will author the measure which he expects to be opposed by various sectors, particularly the Catholic Church.
But even before the proposal could be formalized into a bill, House Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro (PDP-Laban, Capiz) and Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza aired vehement objection to the House leader’s plan, saying that it is unconstitutional and against religious teachings.
“We thought all along that his priority is federalism and constitutional amendments. Insisting on pursuing same sex marriage would only disrupt the legislative meal and threaten the enactment of said priorities,” said Atienza.
Noting that the lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgender community has grown in numbers, Alvarez said his same sex marriage proposal guarantees that the so-called third sex also enjoys happiness as provided under the 1987 Constitution.
“Kung happy sila doon, why shouldn’t you support them. I already ordered the preparation of the bill,” said Alvarez.
Apparently referring to Section 5, Article 2 on Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Alvarez said the LGBT in the country have the right to be married in the same manner as ordinary men and women. (Ben R. Rosario)