AKB backs Pope Francis on same sex union

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Ako Bicol (AKB) party-list expressed full support to the stand of Pope Francis recognizing same-sex civil unions.

“The Holy Father, the anointed leader of the Catholic Church, has spoken. While some were understandably upset or shocked, we must take the Pope’s words in their proper context. Same-sex civil unions are totally different from the holy sacrament of matrimony in Church,” Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co said.

He said while the Pope’s words carry a lot of weight, the Philippines has yet to pass a law allowing same-sex civil unions.

“I think the Pope explained it beautifully: ‘Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,’” Co said.

He cited the need for a civil union law so that same-sex couples could have some legal protection.

Co stressed that being gay is not immoral. What is immoral is rape, sexual harassment, and violence against those who have different sexual orientations.

He said what the Pope bravely announced is something that no other Pope has done in centuries. “It’s not for us to judge; we have to listen,” Co stressed.

The Bicolano solon said everybody is equal in the eyes of God. “Being gay or lesbian is not any person’s fault so let’s not discriminate,” he said.