LGBT rights supporters rally at SC amid same-sex marriage debate

Members of LGBT community and advocates gathered at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, as the high tribunal heard oral arguments on the petition for same-sex marriage. (Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community rallied outside the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday amid a debate on whether or not same-sex marriage should be legalized.

For the first time in history, the SC conducted oral arguments on a petition that seeks recognition for same-sex marriage.

The petition was filed by lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis III, who identifies himself as openly gay, at the Office of the Civil Registrar. In his petition, Falcis stressed that the 1987 Constitution does not prohibit same-sex marriages.

Falcis argued that the Family Code of the Philippines, which states that a marriage cannot be valid if the two parties are of the same sex, is unconstitutional.

Vince Liban, member of rights group University of the Philippines (UP) Babaylan, said: “We are all in this because the community stands to benefit from the nullification of these backward and discriminating laws.” /atm