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Philippines: Top Court Recognizes Same-Sex Property Co-Ownership

Is this a step toward equality and justice for LGBTQ+ families or an example of judicial overreach that bypasses democratic and cultural consensus?

Published 12 hours ago

Philippines: Top Court Recognizes Same-Sex Property Co-Ownership

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Above: The Pride march and festival in Quezon City, Philippines, on June 24, 2023. Image credit: Lisa Marie David/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

This is a significant advance in recognizing LGBTQ+ families and relationships under Philippine law. It establishes an important legal basis for wider acknowledgment of same-sex partnerships and reinforces ongoing efforts to secure comprehensive anti-discrimination measures. Ultimately, the ruling benefits not only the LGBTQ+ community but also the broader principles of fairness and justice in Philippine society.

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Right narrative

The Supreme Court should not invent rights for same-sex couples when Philippine society remains largely conservative and has yet to adopt civil unions or marriage equality through legislation. This decision could undermine democratic processes, bypass public debate on complex moral and cultural issues and pave the way for further judicial activism on matters better settled by lawmakers.

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Narrative C

The Supreme Court's property ruling is a small step, but same-sex couples remain legally invisible in critical areas like survivors' pensions. No legal acrobatics can substitute for actual marriage equality laws that grant genuine equal rights and dignity and can fully address moral, cultural and legal gaps in LGBTQ+ rights. The fight must continue beyond celebrating incremental wins.

GMA Integrated News on X

Metaculus Prediction

Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

Supreme Court recognizes co-ownership of property in same-sex relationships