Premium Content:

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte voices support for marriage equality

The Phillipines’ President Rodrigo Duterte has changed his stance on same sex marriage, voicing his support for gay and lesbian couples to be allowed to wed.

- Advertisement -

“I am for (same) sex marriage if that is the trend of modern times,” he said. “If that will add to your happiness, I am for it.”

Duterte made the comments during an appearance at an LGBT event in Davao. His endorsement of same sex marriage will put him on a collision course with the Catholic Church.

Duterte assured The Philippines’ lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community that they would not suffer from discrimination, oppression and bigotry under his administration.

“Let me just say thank you for the celebration and you have my guarantee that everybody, at least during my term, will be protected and nurtured as a human being,” Duterte said. “There will be no oppression and we will recognize your importance in society,” he said.

Duterte encouraged members of the gay and lesbian community to nominate someone to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. The President recently dismissed all commissioners from the organisation citing that they took unnecessary trips at the tax payers expense and failed to hold regular meetings.

While the President’s comments on marriage were widely reported in the media, they were not included in his official media release about the event.

OIP Staff, Image: Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

Latest

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.