Solon: Grant civil union rights to same-sex couples only

Agbiag party-list Rep. Michelle Antonio has called on the House of Representatives to limit the proposed measure on civil partnership rights only to same-sex couples.

Antonio said extending civil union rights to unmarried heterosexual couples would violate the constitutional protection of marriage.

“For heterosexual couples, I believe this bill runs contrary to the Constitution and is also unnecessary,” she said.

The lawmaker issued the statement as the House women and gender equality committee began deliberating House Bill No. 6595, or the Civil Partnership Act, which would extend to same-sex and opposite-sex couples “all benefits and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage.”

These rights, which are currently limited to married spouses, include inheritance rights, the right to name each other and their children as social security beneficiaries, tax and labor benefits and adoption rights. —VINCE F. NONATO