TITLE: SAME SEX MARRIAGE: REALIZATION OF

ONE DREAM
____

A RESEARCH PAPER
MRS. MANIEGO
ST.JOSEPH COLLEGE-OLONGAPO, INC.
18TH STREET EAST BAJAC-BAJAC OLONGAPO CITY

____

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT IN ENGLISH IV

____

BY: SEYCHELLE ANNE E. DELA CRUZ

IV- HUMILITY
MARCH 9, 2015

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I would like to thank my parents, my friends in this project,
and my English teacher. My parents for supporting me
financially and for letting me to this research. My friends
for giving me some ideas. And my sister for helping me.
And my teacher for teaching us for what we should do to
this research.

Introduction:

Same-sex marriage also known as gay marriage. It

is the marriage between two people of the same sex. Legal
recognition of same-sex marriage or the possibility to
perform a same-sex marriage is sometimes referred to as
marriage equality or equal marriage, particularly by
supporters. The legalization of same sex is characterized as
redefining marriage by many opponents.
The first laws enabling same-sex marriage in
modern times were enacted during the first decade of the
21st century. As of 1 January 2015, seventeen countries
( Argentina , Belgium , Brazil ,Canada ,Denmark , France ,
Iceland , Luxembourg , Netherlands , New Zealand ,
Norway , Portugal , South Africa , Spain , Sweden , United
Kingdom and Uruguay ) and certain sub-national
jurisdictions (parts of Mexico and most states of the united
states). Polls show rising support for legally recognizing
same-sex marriage in the America and part of Europe.
Same-sex marriage laws has varied by jurisdiction,
being variously accomplished through legislative change to
marriage laws, a court ruling based on constitutional
guarantees of equality, or by direct popular vote. The
recognition of same-sex marriage Is a political, social,
human rights and civil right issues, as well as religious
issue in many nations and around the world, and debates
continue to arise over the whether same-sex couples should
be allowed marriage, or instead be allowed to hold a
different status ( a civil union ) , or be denied such rights.
Same-sex marriage can provide same-sex couples who pay
their taxes with government services and make financial
demands in them comparable to those afforded to and
required of opposite-sex married couples. Same-sex
marriage also gives them legal protections such as
inheritance and hospital visitation rights.
Some analysts state that financial, psychological
and physical well-being are enhanced by marriage, and that
children of same-sex couples benefit from being raised by
two parents within a legally recognized union supported by

societys institutions. Court documents filed by American

scientific associations also state that singling out gay men
and women as ineligible for marriage both stigmatizes and
invites public discrimination against them. The American
Anthropological Association avers that social science either
civilization or viable social orders depend upon not
recognizing same-sex marriage.

Same-sex marriage can be performed in a secular

civil ceremony or in a religious setting. Various faith
communities around the world support allowing same-sex
couples to marry or conduct same-sex marriage
ceremonies.

A. Statement of the Problems

This research paper will explain and discuss some of the

aspects about Same-sex marriage
Specifically, the research will answer the ff.

Questions:
1. Why is the church not allowing the said same -sex
marriage?
2. When did the same-sex marriage begin?
3. Do you think same-sex marriage is very much prohibited
by the Christian?
4. Pope Francis said that he is into the legalization of samesex marriage and how come others are not?
5. When do you think that same-sex marriage here in the
Philippines didnt approve in that law, how come others
already approve it?

B. Significance and importance of the study

This study is important because this would serve as a
source of knowledge to know if the people are agree or
disagree to this issue of same sex marriage, and of course to
know if it is good enough to those religious person.
Furthermore, it gives readers the information if what
the importance of same sex marriage. To know what will be
the possible if its going to happen. And the most important
is to those people who are ready to do this. It is also help to
those who are lesbian and gay if what decision are they
going to take.

C. Scope and Limitations

This research is only limited to discuss the same sex
marriage

Definition of Terms:

:
A. Equalities minister lyne Featherstone is to propose lifting
the ban on civil partnerships taking place in religious
settings in England and Wales. There are no plans to
compel religious organisations to hold ceremonies and the
Church of England has said it would not allow its churches

to be used. Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said the

change was long overdue. Civil partnership ceremonies
are currently entirely secular. It is not clear whether the
proposals will suggest that civil ceremonies in religious
surroundings could incorporate elements such as hymns or
Bible readings or be formally described as marriages. It is
thought this might be part of a consultation process.
Marriage between people of the same gender is not legal in
U.K but civil partnerships were introduced in 2005 to give
couples the same legal protection as if they were wed. The
proposals were welcomed by gay rights campaigners but
may raise the ire of many churchgoers.
The current law prevents them from doing so, even
if they want to. No religious institution will be forced to
perform civil partnerships if they do not wish to do so.
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, gave the news
a guarded welcome.
He told the BBCs Andrew Marr show he believes
in a liberal democracy, and actually wants equality with
everybody but did not want churches to be told what to do.
The Roman Catholic Church has long held that
homosexuality is a deviation and is not expected to agree
to same-sex ceremonies.
The legislation would also cover synagogues and
mosques although homosexual relationships are forbidden
under Islam and Orthodox Judaism.
Rabi Yitzhak Schochet, from Mill Hill Synagogue in north
London and a columnist for the Jewish News, told the
BBC: Same sex marriages have no place in any house of
religious worship.
DivineValue System To suggest that advocating
such a position is homophobic is unconscionable. The bible
is not homophobic any more than it is incest-phobic,
adultery-phobic or necrophilia-phobic.
That it doesnt conform to liberal idealism doesnt
mean that its proponents should be written off as narrowminded or worse, bigoted.
The group of clerics, which includes the Bishop of
Salisbury, the Dean of Southwark and five former bishops,
said: Straight couples have the choice between civil
marriage and religious marriage. Gay couples are denied a
similar choice.

That amendment, which would not force religious

venues to accept gay couples, has not yet been
implemented and would require a standing order.
The BBC understands Mrs Featherstone has been
consulting with gay and lesbian groups and churches about
this issue and is expected to make an announcement within
the next few weeks.
According to reports, the government plans would
also see straight couples being allowed to become civil
partners.
On Friday, the Protection of Freedoms Bill included
plans to lift a ban on night-time weddings and also gave
gay men the right to clear convictions for consensual acts.
A home Office spokesman said: the government is
currently considering what the next stage should be for
civil partnerships, including how some religious
organisations can allow same-sex couples to register their
relationship in a religious setting if they wish to do so.
Ministers have met a range of people and
organisations to hear their views on this issue. An
announcement will be made in due course.
The Office of National Statistics reported in
May 2010 that 26,000 same-sex couples had undergone
civil partnerships.
BBC News website readers have been
sharing their thoughts on the future in a church just like a
straight couple. Helen Louise Nicholls, North Shields.
We are falling behind a number of EU
countries that have actually moved from a formal
partnership to a marriage. Why doesnt the UK be one of
the trend-setting innovators to allow gay marriages in
religious settings; church, mosque or temple. Craid
Chadwick, Leeds.
Same-sex loving people have suffered for a long
time due to bigotry, perverted and hardened hearts of
people from generation. Yes gays should be allowed to
celebrate their love in the Church and not be prejudiced
against because they are different. We need to research the
scripture diligently, seeking spiritual knowledge and
understanding. And above all let us all have the mind of
Christ. For Christ will never discriminate against gay
children of his but love and welcome them with holy hands

because he knows they are the work of his hands too.

Victory Iwaloye, Manchester.
I dont see a problem with it as I know gay
and lesbian people they cant help what they like.
However religious views are different, being religious
myself too, but I dont really care if someone is gay. They
are still human and they should be allowed to get married.
Religions will argue against, possibly because marriage is a
religious thing.john, Bristol.
No, not in a Christian church. It goes against
the Christian belief. Why should Christians compromise?
Im not even sure if I agree with civil marriages, but that
aside, this is all going too far. E James, Newcastle
There should be no distinction between
couples, as long as they are happy and are willing to
commit to each other then why marginalise gay couples.
This form of apartheid has gone on for long enough and the
Church should open its mind to higher and more important
values. Mark Woolfson, Leeds
The BBC is reporting this all wrong. Gay
activitists arent celebrating this news at all. Gay activitists
dont see civil partnerships as a marriage. Marriage is not
about where or who you marry, thats irrelevant. The
majority of gay people dont mind not being married in
religious places.
Civil partnerships are a good idea but should
never be compared to marriage and should not be
conducted in a church. The Equality Act should not be used
as an excuse to force a change in policy. A M Potter,
Newport, Shropshire
My wife and I divorced previous spouses
and were not allowed to marry in church. We were
fortunate that after discussions with elders we were married
at our local Quaker meeting. It was joyful and faithful day
and was a wonderful start to a strong and developing loving
relationship. The Church forgives murderers, hides
paedophiles and yet have no mercy for unhappy couples.
All people should have the right to affirm their love in
church, mosque or temple as their belief in Christians. If
you read the article carefully however, the title is very
misleading. Most churches are not allowing the marriage of
gay couples. Only the very liberal and left wing churches
are considering it. Scott, Walsall, West Midlands

Men and women the world over just live

together without ceremony of any kind: why cant same sex
couples do the same? Its far easier to walk away from the
relationship too. We cant help who we love but it is again
the minority we hear from bleeting and baaing about what
they want. Get on with living together and shut up. The law
of God and the Bible will not be rewritten for you having a
ceremony of whatever kinds is hollow in the grand plan
cant you just live your lives? Kathleen Steward, Leicester
B.

In the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), same-sex marriages

took place. However, as early as the early Zhou Dynasty,
(starting at 1045 B.C), there were male domestic
partnerships.
In Ancient Rome, the first same-sex marriage
ceremony was in 222 AD.
In 2001, the Netherlands was the first to call a
same-sex nuptial marriage.
I am only including marriage in a strictly legal
sense. Homosexuality and bisexuality have been
documented much earlier than these dates.
MIAMI (Reuters) Floridas first same-sex
weddings took place in Miami on Monday, shortly before
gay and lesbian couples were to begin tying the knot
elsewhere in the 36th U.S. state to legalize gay marriage.
Circuit Court Judge Sarah Zabel paved the way for
some couples in Miami-Dade Country to get a jump-start
on their weddings when she lifted a stay on her earlier
decision finding the states gay marriage ban
unconstitutional.
Amid cheers and tearful embraces, Zabel later
presided over the marriages of two Florida couples in
ceremonies witnessed by a throng of media.

When asked by the judge for their rings, Karla

Arguello, 37, replied that she and Cathy Pareto had already
worn them for 15 years.

Our son is finally going to have a family and not

be a second-class citizen, said Pareto, 42, one of the
people who send over the ban.
Same-sex marriage licenses will be issued in the
rest of the state starting just after midnight on Tuesday,
when a stay expires on a ruling by U.S. District Judge
Robert Hinkle in Tallahassee, who also struck down the
Ban approved by Florida voters in 2008.
The U.S. Supreme Court last month declined a
request from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to
extend the stay on Hinkles ruling.
In Broward County, which includes the city of Fort
Lauderdale, marriage licenses will be handed out starting at
12:01 a.m. and as mass wedding will follow at 3 a.m.,
according to the local clerks website.
Crowds are also expected elsewhere overnight, with
marriage licences to be issued after midnight in the Florida
Keys and Osceola County in the central part of the state.
Some of the Florida courthouses will not be hosting
ceremonies after issuing licenses. Clerks in a number of
conservative regions decided to end all wedding
ceremonies as they faced the prospect of same-sex
marriage.
The legalization of gay marriage in Florida means
about 70 percent of Americans now live in states permitting
same-sex marriage, almost double the number a year ago,
according to the Human Rights Campaign, a national
advocacy group.
Supporters of Floridas ban vowed to continue their
flight. U.S. Supreme Court justices are meeting on Friday
to discuss whether to take up the gay marriage issue.
Today is the end, said John Stemberger, president
of the Florida Family Policy Council, which campaigned
for the ban.
(Additional reporting by Bill Cotterell in
Tallahassee, Fla.)

C.

Most Christian authorities and bodies view

marriage (also called Holy Matrimony) as a state instituted
and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between
one man as husband and one woman as wife. They consider
it the most intimate of human relationships, a gift from
God, and a sacred, holy, and even central to the community
of faith, while Catholics and Orthodox Christians consider
it a Sacrament. Biblically, it is to be held in honour among
all.
Jesus Christ underscored the importance and
sacredness of lifelong marriage in his own teachings. He
stated that God had created mankind as male and female,
and that in marriage the two will become one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one
separate.
Civil laws recognize marriage as having social and
political statuses. Christian theology affirms the secular
status of marriage, but additionally views it from a moral
and religious perspective that transcends all social interests.
While marriage is honored and affirmed among
Christians and throughout the Bible, there is no suggestion
that it is necessary for everyone. Single people who either
have chosen to remain unmarried or who have lost their
spouse for some reason are neither incomplete in Christ nor
personal failures.
The New Testament teaches that sex is reserved for
marriage. It calls sex outside of marriage the sin of adultery
(for the married person) if either sexual participant is
married to another person, while it calls voluntary sexual
intercourse between two unmarried persons the sin of
fornication.
Within the past few years, a few states have allowed
weddings for same sex couples. A sufficient number of
persons in the United States think that same-sex marriage
constitutes a significant threat to the well-being of our
society to label it a social problem. Thus, we can define the
issue of same-sex marriage to be a social problem. Note
that defining same-sex marriage as a social problem is
not stating that same-sex marriages should be prohibited

and a large number of persons think it should be permitted.

Thus, same-sex marriage is a social problem.
This issue forces us to think about our sociological
perspective. Should society lean toward allowing many
individual liberties or should we maintain traditions that
might foster social cohesion and social solidarity? To what
extent should we constrain individual liberties by requiring
adherence to commonly held moral beliefs?
Because thinking about this issue forces us to face
our beliefs about how best to organize society it helps us to
understand our sociological perspective. Also, deciding
about social policy related to same-sex marriage helps us
understand our philosophical positions and our preferred
approaches to building the good society.

D. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileones planned

participation in a rally to protest same-sex marriage should
not come as a surprise, considering his long history of
outspoken advocacy that marriage should be between one
man and one woman-a key tenet of the Catholic faith.
He chairs the subcommittee for the Promotion and
Defence of Marriage of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops. He was a key fundraiser to get Californias
Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage on the
states ballot in 2008. Ha has signed the Manhattan
Declaration, pledging to defy the law in the name of
maintaining marriage as a union of one man and one
woman, and on a Catholic radio show he once said, The
ultimate attack of the Evil One is the attack of the Evil One
is the attack on marriage
Nevertheless, his plans to take the stage at
Thursdays March Marriage in Washington, which will also
feature politicians such as former Arkansas Gov. Mike
Huckabee and former Pennysylvania Sen. Rick Santorum,
has riled same-sex marriage activists and even some in the
faith community.
The Human Rights Campaign blasted Cordileone
for agreeing to appear alongside controversial activists like
Bishop Harry Jackson, an evangelical minister who has
called the movement to legalize same-sex marriage a
satanic plot comparable to the times of Hitler,

evangelical leader Jim Garlow who said same-sex marriage

would bring about enslavement, and Heritage Foundation
fellow Ryan Anderson who compared homosexuality to
alcoholism and pedophilia. California religious leaders and
public officials wrote Cordileone an open letter urging him
to cancel his plans, given the opinions fellow attendees
have expressed. The social justice-oriented Christian group
Faithful America posted an online petition also urging
Cordileone to forgo the rally, gathering tens of thousands of
signatures.
Framing many of the criticisms of his participation
is the accusation that his presence among such firebrands
runs counter to the rhetoric being offered by Pope Francis
when it comes to talking about LGBT people. When asked
about gay priests last July, the pope made headlines by
saying. Who am I to judge? he echoed that language in
September, saying, When God looks at a gay person, does
he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject
and condemn this person? We must always consider the
person. He has also suggested that the church could look
at the different cases and evaluate them in their variety,
when it came to the matter of civil unions.
To be clear, the church has not changed its position
in opposing same-sex marriage. In a joint encyclical with
his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis
condemned same-sex marriage, a stance he has reiterated
since. Earlier this month, the pope urged married couples
not to try to raise cats and dogs in the place of children,
which was read by some as a signal of the importance of
procreation in marriage, one of the main arguments pushed
by those opposing same-sex marriage.
Yet the softening of his tone is being seen as an
olive branch to Catholics who support LGBT rights and
same-sex marriage-including 50 percent of U.S. Catholics
who regularly attend Mass, and 72 percent of those who
self-identified as infrequent Mass-attendees, per a survey
by Univision. For this shift in approach, he has attracted the
praise of LGBT activists, and the guy publication The
Advocate hailed Pope Francis as its person of the year in
2013.
The pope has taken the church in a completely new
direction when it comes to their messages and their
treatment of LGBT people, says Charles Joughin, an HRC

spokesman. Its just shocking that the archbishop would

align himself in a public way with these people who clearly
hold such differing values than Pope Francis, who is
effectively Archbishop Cirdileones boss.
He is speaking in defence of the religious
understanding of what marriage is, and then for the
promotion of it. He is accepting opportunities on behalf of
the Holy Father as his emissary in the Archdiocese of San
Francisco, and he is obliged to defend the Catholic teaching
on that.
Likewise, Christ Plant-regional director of National
Organization for Marriage, a group leading the opposition
to same-sex marriage that is organizing the rally says Pope
Franciss tone is in line with the approach he sees his
organization taking on the issue. He is focusing on the fact
that our dialogue ought to be civil, Plant says. We
absolutely ask for it to be a civil.
E. The status of same-sex marriage changes frequently as
legislation and legal action takes place around the world.
First, we have to look at Article 15of the Civil Code, which
provides that laws relating to family right and duties, or to
the status, condition and capacity of persons are binding
upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad.
Since both spouses are Filipino citizens, then by virtue of
Article 15 of the Civil Code and applicable Filipino laws
still apply to them due to that citizenship.
Then we look at Article 1 of the Family Code of the
Philippines which states that marriage is a special contract
of permanent union between a man and a woman entered
into in accordance with the law for the establishment of
conjugal and family life
The Family Code of the Philippines is specific that
Marriage can only be contracted between a man and a
woman. Since the two women who got married are Filipino
citizens, then that means Article 1 of the Family Code
applies to them also even though they got married abroad.
As explained by the distinguished professor from Ateneo de
Manila (and now also Dean of FEU Institute of Law) Mel
Sta. Maria in his book Family Code. Marriage is a union

founded on the distinction of sex. The law likewise

provides that the contracting parties must be a male and a
female. (Melencio Sta. Maria, Persons and Family
Relations, p. 110, 4th Ed.).
In my opinion, then, the bottomline is that even though a
same-sex marriage between Filipino citizens was celebrated
and recognized abroad, that does not necessarily mean that
the marriage will be recognized here due to current
Philippine laws as applied to Filipino citizens.
Whether or not this change will depend largely on future
amendments or interpretations of the Family Code and the
Civil Code.
Some opponents of gay marriage fear that by allowing
same-sex couples to marry, will lessen the validity of
heterosexual marriage. They say marriage is union with the
purpose of creating and raising children fare better in
household headed by a man and a woman.
Opponents disagree with equating gay rights with the fight
for racial equality. They say that homosexuality is not an
inborn trait, but a chosen behaviour that does not deserve
special protection under the law.
Some religious leaders say allowing gay marriages will
give a stamp of approval to a behaviour that they believe is
immoral.