President Duterte on Sunday reiterated his support to same-sex marriage, saying he cannot hinder what will make his countrymen happy, months after he said he cannot allow same-sex marriage as it would violate the law of a Catholic country.
Duterte, in a speech at the 7th LGBT Year-End Gathering in Davao City, said he is supporting gay marriage and that he cannot do anything if that is what will make the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community happy.
“I am for same-sex marriage. If that will add to your happiness, I am for it. Who am I to hinder?” Duterte said.
“Kung ano kaligayahan ng tao, bakit ko pigilan? Why impose a morality that is almost passe?” he added.
Duterte assured the LGBT community that they will not be oppressed under his term. “There will be no oppression and under my term and we will recognize your importance to society,” he said.
Duterte also said that he would like to appoint someone from the LGBT community to the Philippine Commission on the Urban Poor, giving them until the second week of January to name their nominee.
“Nominate somebody who is honest, hardworking, and I would like to show that any bakla o tomboy can always work just like an ordinary human being,” he said.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is a President of all Filipinos who makes no distinctions. “This administration has long espoused inclusivity and sensitivity. We make no distinction. We are all Filipinos enjoying our rights, freedom, and equality before the law,” Roque said.
Duterte had earlier opposed gay marriage in March 2017 as it would violate the law. “Tingnan mo ‘yung Time. Wala nang gender, because you can be he or she. ‘Yan ang kultura nila. Kayo lang. ‘Di ‘yan puwede sa amin, Katoliko kami,” he said.
“At there is the Civil Code, which is you can only marry a woman for me, and for woman to marry a man. ‘Yan ang batas natin.” (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
