As LGBTS welcome same sex union: Church laments proposed dissolution of marriage

CEBU, Philippines - As the 17th Congress began Monday its second regular session, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez unveiled what he called the chamber’s priority measures, including one on “dissolution of marriage” and allowing same sex union.

But the proposed measures do not sit well with Archdiocese of Cebu spokesperson Monsignor Joseph Tan.

Tan said these measures somehow divide the government and the Catholic Church, stressing that the latter values the sanctity of marriage.

“The Catholic position is very clear of the values of marriage and among other things is indissolubility,” Tan said.

Alvarez clarified that the measure on the dissolution of marriage does not seek for a divorce, but rather give couples an option or opportunity to be freed from an unhappy marriage.

Tan emphasized that the validity of marriage after the union of two willing people (a woman and a man) agreed to the terms and conditions of the church without questions or opposition will be considered as valid without dissolution.

The church, however, can allow dissolution of marriage if a “defect” occurred or was committed before the union.

Forced marriage, for instance, is a ground for the dissolution of marriage, Tan said.

“For instance, your partner was forced  to marry you without the church knowing and your heart never said yes to the marriage then kana ma-invalid na ang marriage and then we can declare its dissolution because there was no marriage in the first place,” he explained.

But the measures are a welcome development for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

LGBT rights advocate Regal Oliva, a lawyer by profession, was grateful for Alvarez’s proposal despite strong opposition from the church.

“It’s about time that Congress acts on legislative measures that address the needs of such sector. I am happy that it is being backed by no less than the Speaker of the House, as it may see a better future of having them enacted,” Oliva said.

Oliva added that “it’s time to make the dissolution of marriages more convenient and affordable for couples that see no more future being together.” The Philippines is currently the only Catholic country in the world without a divorce law.

As for the proposed same sex union, Oliva said it is also high time for the formalization of same sex union in order to protect both the couple’s interest in each other.

The proposal has given new hope for those seeking approval of the same sex union.

Tisha Ylaya, also an LGBT advocate and a member of Rainbow Rights in Central Visayas, said they will surely support the measures.

“I look forward with increased excitement how the rest of his colleagues will deliberate on the proposed measures. We, the Rainbow Rights – Central Visayas, will definitely be supporting the passage especially of the SSU,” Ylaya said.

Just like the dissolution of marriage, Tan said the same sex union affects entirely the understanding of marriage in the Catholic Christian scene.

Tan said marriage is designed for the propagation of human race.

“In our understanding of marriage, it should be entered by two people, one being a male and one being a female, wherein their physical expression of love will result to life,” Tan said. (FREEMAN)