Same-sex marriage (Part 2): Who are for, who are against

Here’s a reaction to the first part of this mini-survey on one of the hottest issues today — same-sex marriage, from Rev. Roderick I. delos Santos Sr. of Bacolod City:

…The problem with homosexuals is that they exchange the truth of God for a lie therefore any homosexual act is sin. Some homosexuals claim that their relationships cannot be unnatural since it is perfectly natural for them to practice such act. But God condemns not the homosexual but the act that they commit. Therefore, they suffer God’s wrath (Romans 1:26-32). I hope and pray that they will know this truth from the Scripture and obey God rather than man.

And here are the rest of the respondents:

• Eddie Garcia — I have no objection. Buhay nila ‘yon, so bakit natin pakikialaman kung doon sila maligaya? Ika nga, “No skin off my nose.”

• Cesar Montano — Sorry, I’m already married, hahahaha! Seriously, as a Christian living in a Christian nation, if I want to know the true answer of Christ to that question, I should check out the Bible. The answers are all there.

• Gemma Cruz-Araneta — No objection, but call it something else to avoid confusion. Perhaps it’s Mother Nature’s way of subduing world population because this planet is filled to bursting.

• Julius Babao — I’m in favor of it. I have gay and lesbian friends who have been living together for a long time and they are happy. I think it will be fair for all if same-sex marriage is legalized in this country.

• Sen. Chiz Escudero — Am not against it but I don’t think our country and people are ready for it at this time.

• German “Kuya Germs” Moreno — Hindi ako agree. Hindi naayon sa natural na sistema. Kung nagmamahalan, lalaki sa lalaki o babae sa babae, magsama na lang at huwag na magpakasal. Ang purpose ng marriage ay magka-anak. Sa parehong sex, hindi naman magbubunga ang kanilang pagmamahalan, so bakit pa magpapakasal?

• Ricky Davao — Equal rights! Love and respect! Legalize it!

• Karen Davila — In the Philippines, more than same-sex marriage, what is important is for members of LGBT community to have equal rights, privileges and opportunities. For responsible same-sex couples, I would like to see them being able to adopt a child legally, have inheritance rights as heterosexual spouses do, and perhaps the same tax breaks for long-term unions. I don’t think the Philippines is ready for it, but there are ways to show our LGBT community that we are understanding their needs and see them as equals.

• Ai-Ai de las Alas — The issue of marriage is complex lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan eh kung sino ang dapat ikasal o hindi. Personally, I believe that in the final judgment, it is God who will judge us. And my faith tells me that He will judge us based on purity of our hearts and the nobility of our intentions.

• Jon Santos — I support it, along with any law that allows us to enjoy the same rights and privileges.

• Jojo Alejar — Been having same sex in my marriage for years and see no problem with that. On a serious note…Marriage is a union. Yes but it doesn’t stop there. It’s a union with a purpose which is to procreate. Kaya bilib ako sa mga bading na kahit hindi nagbubuntis ay lalong dumarami.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)