DAVAO CITY, Philippines (March 24)—Did he changed his mind?
This question is raised as President Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed his disapproval of legalizing same-sex marriage in the country citing the country’s Civil Code.
Critics of the President says he reneged his election promise to allow same sex union when he was the guest a television talk show during the campaign period.
In a speech delivered before Filipino community in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Sunday Evening, Duterte said marriage is only between man and woman, as provided by Civil Code of the Philippines.
Duterte said he does not have any issue among Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community as he cited he has two brother-in-laws and a cousin who are gays.
But as it is now, the law of the country does not warrant same sex marraige.
“Imagine, you will propose – – look at (American news magazine) Time now – – there is no gender because you can be a he or she. There is already no (gender identity). Look at the cover of Time magazine , a woman or a man, there is no he or she,” Duterte said.
“That’s their culture. You can do that but that can’t be done to us because we’re Catholics and there is the Civil Code, which says that you can only marry a woman for me (and) for a woman to marry a man. That’s our law so why would you accept that gender?” he said.
Duterte explained he does not approve same sex relationship because he cannot ignore the “great divide between a woman and a man” when God created them.
“You should stay from where God put you. Imagine. I am the President and there is no – – you erase the great divide between a woman and a man,” he said.
Duterte’s critics say he is contradicting his own statements when during the 2016 campaign.
It can be recalled that during the same show “Magandang Gabi Vice” , Duterte was asked what was his view on same sex marriage, Duterte answered “It’s good, everybody deserves to be happy.” He did not say if he will allow same sex marriage in the country.
