Philippines: Mayor of largest city backs same-sex marriage
The Mayor of Quezon City in the Philippines has said he “looks forward” to the day equal marriage can be legalised in the country.
According to the Inquirer, now Quezon Mayor Herbert Bautista has since spoken during his State of the City Address about the possibility of making equal marriage legal and of officiating at a same-sex wedding.
On Tuesday, he said: “I was watching the news and there was another court in America which [legalised] same-sex marriage or what they call ‘equality marriage.’
“I look forward to the day the Philippines or Quezon City will have an equality marriage ordinance.”
The Philippine Star reports that Bautista also said he would be willing to officiate at same-sex weddings himself.
He said: “The mayor has the power to officiate weddings.
“Maybe the mayor of Quezon City can also officiate weddings between same-sex (couples). I am having that researched.”
The anti-discrimination law was passed unanimously last week by more than 30 city councillors.
Same-sex sexual activity is not a crime in the country.
However same-sex marriage is not recognised, and gay couples are unable to adopt. Transgender people are unable to legally change their gender or first name.
