PHILIPPINES - Nov 23, 2002
The Philippine Justice Department has ruled that family visas will not be granted to same-sex partners of foreign diplomats and staff of foreign companies who work within the country. According to Justice Secretary Hernando Perez, the Philippine constitution does not recognize homosexual unions.The Department of Foreign Affairs had requested a ruling on the matter due because they were not sure how to deal with applications coming in from foreign gay couples. While anti-discrimination legislation that would protect Filipino gays and lesbians is pending, Christian conservative forces in the country continue to oppose equal rights for homosexuals. |
