QC mayor backs same-sex marriage

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Tuesday expressed his support for same-sex marriage, saying there is a need to protect the rights of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

“The mayor has the power to officiate weddings,” Bautista told reporters following his State of the City Address. “Maybe the mayor of Quezon City can also officiate weddings between same-sex (couples). I am having that researched.”

Bautista said his support for same-sex marriage is rooted in his desire to protect the rights of LGBTs, citing instances when partners fail to get the property of their deceased loved ones because they are not legally married.

During his address, the mayor expressed his support for what he dubbed  “marriage equality.”

Last week, the Quezon City council approved an ordinance seeking to protect the rights of LGBTs in the city.

Called the “Gender Fair Ordinance,” the landmark measure protects LGBTs from discrimination.

“The LGBT community has been a significant partner in ensuring the success of Quezon City. While contributing on various arenas – politics, arts, business, sciences, education, among others – they have long been ignored, their rights unrecognized, and worse, they are often discriminated. This is the city’s way to protect its citizens, by saying no to discrimination,” Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, who presides over the city council, said in a statement.

“With political will, we would be able to realize the equality that everyone has long hoped for. In Quezon City, everyone stands equal,” she added.