Court decision in the Philippines could be step towards Marriage Equality
The case has highlighted the challenges faced by same-sex couples.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines has handed down a decision that could have positive implications for the LGBTQ community's push for Marriage Equality.
At the heart of the case brought before the court was a property dispute. In reaching its conclusion, the court ruled that same-sex couples can be considered co-owners of property acquired over the course of their relationship.
The parties that were in dispute were two women who had lived together for several years. They had purchased a house together, registered in one partner's name, with their joint ownership documented in a separate legal agreement. The women then separated and the joint ownership of the property became a matter of dispute.
The court noted the difference in treatment under law that same-sex couples are faced with as opposed to opposite-sex couples. The justices also called on the country's parliament to implement legislative solutions to address the inequalities that same-sex couples are forced to navigate.
Change is likely to be slow but this case seems to highlight a growing acceptance that queer people should not face systemic discrimination on the basis of their sexuality.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Philippines?
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Philippines? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in the Philippines?
Yes. Same-sex sexual activity is legal.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in the Philippines?
There are some anti-discrimination protections place, but further work needs to be done to implement comprehensive protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
Is there Marriage Equality in the Philippines?
No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Marriage is specifically limited to opposite-sex couples.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Philippines?
In general, the Philippines is a fairly welcoming and accepting place in relation to LGBTQ people.
However, there is quite a lot of variation in the experience of LGBTQ people. Some parts of the country are very religious, and homophobia is frequently encountered.
