Transgender lawmaker to push for divorce legalization

MANILA, Philippines – The first transgender lawmaker in the country said yesterday she would push for the legalization of divorce in the country when the 17th Congress opens on July 25. 

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said legalizing divorce will help liberate couples trapped in hopeless marriages.

“I’m in favor of giving a second chance (to married couples). We have to face the fact that there are relationships that already have no hope,” Roman told reporters.

“I want a possible solution for people who are totally incompatible so they can remake their lives and pursue their happiness. I think they also have a right to do that,” she said. 

She said the government, through Congress, can help free people in unhappy and even harmful marriages. 

The Philippines is the only country in the world, aside from the Vatican, that still does not allow divorce. 

It was only recently that Congress was able to enact into law the Reproductive Health bill that was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church. 

The 49-year old Roman earlier said her victory in the congressional race meant Filipinos are now more accepting of lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT).

She will also push for the Anti-Discrimination Bill that gives equal rights to LGBTs in schools, workplaces, starting a business or getting a professional license.

Moreover, she will file a bill for the civil union of same-sex partners in loving relationships, as well as a Gender Recognition bill for transgenders to have their birth certificates legally altered to reflect their authentic gender identity. 

Roman’s father is the late Bataan Rep. Antonino Roman while her mother, Herminia, is the outgoing representative of her district. 

It was her father and her brother who took care of her when she underwent sexual reassignment surgery in New York City when she was 27.