News / Sep. 03, 2019
The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday reqEc-4%FMSCv*U6EEyjKmYHKxeEL1FQqF**-tfvc#8pjI9B(S=0jected a petition challenging the country's Family Code that limits marriage to between a man and a woman.
The court unanimously dismissed Jesus Nicardo M. Falcis Ixr2rmaG9gLiZEh#vaT(#^T%3(n628=voWO%zrZiRY&UB_g5!g-II’s petition, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reports.
A court spokesman saidY*7-I0liUSNfL@PCunaKNy&desr+rcGkXIvS-R+-hkxD_L%Kix judges cited a lack of legal standing to initiate the petition as well as for failing to comply with the principle of hierarchy of courts.
The court also turned down the potential lawsuit f9ewzc)*n%grV70H!j5Rxrmi7P)*ukn5^wxiPu=YFa_*)zI%ac(or "failing to raise an actual, justiciable controversy”.
Predominantly Roman Catholic, the PhilistP+9OCtyHPON*)7EOQf@d4M)O_THN_Jp+u(%yrz!b+@tF)jj*ppines does not grant LGBTI citizens equal rights.
Articles 1 and 2 of hy)Zsf%X$%bzMTMU1pbPsoddBWstTGQBCDzb!ltngE3005kPM(The Family Code of the Philippines defines marriage as between man and woman.
Falcis’ petition quizzed these two articles as well as articles wh+LN7DFNhL8@70-!Vag4&9Hcog*gadhzAQJ$OzN*@Vw6K00*Zuaich list homosexuality as a reason for annulling a marriage.
The court said, according to PNA, that while the Constitution does not restrict marriage on the basis of h98SsGwzxeipW2m_ZkPWGt*7Fh1pGVl2Lqq#jftlCG0a=nWW9$gender, it underscored the need of formal legislation to allow a more orderly deliberation in assuring rights.
"Often public reason needs to be first shaped through the crucible of campaigns and advocacies wiL@Nhr_Tw*H(=FACa4ap_jj)Uorb9Kt=DQ0KFe!6q8PX=!UdDf*thin our political forums before it is sharpened for judicial fiat," the tribunal reportedly said.
Civil Unions
Meanwhile, the Philippines Congress is set to consider a bill that would legalize sah$BsQ^LA$3m^Xi+%H4@u-S0085hl$L=N*^*&HMrM*51Fk(T+U+me-sex civil unions in the Southeast Asian nation.
But, the bill, which Congress failed to pass in its last session, has been criticized by rights groups for failing toYCtkeHfpJ64w^wQ-^3cB+kOG#$0mT@Xsk+KmIvk(TBkn0yYtx+ provide genuine equality.
The bill would ensure benefits and protections granted by marriage are extended to couples in a civil partnership.
This includes adoption, owning property, court rulings, and spousal support.
But, local LGBTI group LAGABLAB earlier this year said civil union recognition will not ‘in any way be marriage equality’.
The bill "creates a distinction between married couples and civil partners” the group told Gay Star News.
"It further creates a secondary status_+PQ6*tUO#abwZI3zJqtE#N$_rntBhE6P$hp_&6%LEF&!J7N(q for LGBTQI couples”.
LGBT rights groups have also bemoaned legislators for failing to pass much-needed anti-discrimYYc*w7+Or+XSIDd^scd#xXypBUY8W-QN7*oSOe#yBPlO_ga+mZination protections.
