Same Sex Marriage

Few weeks ago, Manny Pacquiao, the Philippine Hero in Sports has been the center of attention and
discussions due to his personal opinion regarding same sex marriage. Religious sectors praise Manny for his stand about the issue, but the LGBT community, liberal minded people, and even business entities condemn him.

Anyway, what is marriage?

Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a socially or ritually recognized union or legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them, between them and their children, and between them and their in-laws, as well as society in general. The definition of marriage varies according to different cultures, but it is principally an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually sexual, are acknowledged. In some cultures, marriage is recommended or considered to be compulsory before pursuing any sexual activity. When defined broadly, marriage is considered a cultural universal. - Wikipedia

Marriage is the intimate union and equal partnership of a man and a woman. It comes to us from the hand of God, who created male and female in his image, so that they might become one body and might be fertile and multiply (See Genesis chapters 1 and 2). Though man and woman are equal as God’s children, they are created with important differences that allow them to give themselves and to receive the other as a gift. -Catholic Belief.

Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the foundation of the family and inviolable social institution whose nature, consequences, and incidents are governed law and not subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlements may fix the property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by this Code. - The Family Code of the Philippines 

Understanding the definition of marriage, it is equivalent as the foundation of a society or community. LGBT community is trying to claim a rights for same sex marriage, this also means that they want to redefine the basic structure of the society. Personally, I respect, understand, and accept a homosexual person, and I don't judge them on how they engage with other people, committing into same sex relationship, or etc. But redefining marriage will affect everything in the society.

My opinion is that may be our country can pass a same sex union law that somehow giving them a para-marriage rights. They can use whatever title or name on that union but not marriage.