Of late, there had been a lot of skepticism about Pope Francis' stand on civil union among members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community. He was criticized by some sectors who misconstrued his stand as being in favor of same-sex marriage.
The truth is there is a difference between the two.
Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is marriage between two people of the same sex entered into a civil or religious ceremony. This is not accepted or considered legal in the Catholic faith, who only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. In the LGBTQ community, this union is referred to as a domestic partnership and not marriage.
Civil union on the other hand, is not marriage, but a legal relationship between two people (could either be of the opposite or the same sex) that provides legal protection to the couple. It affords the couple rights, benefits, and serves as a means of safeguarding assets, property, etc., they acquired and own together as a couple. There are some LGBTQ couples, especially the affluent ones, who pool their resources to acquire property, set up a business, or make investments jointly.
Consequently, a legal issue usually arises in the event one partner passes on. In the absence of a will, assets that the couple owned or invested in jointly, would go to the heirs/relatives of the deceased partner and nothing to the remaining partner, which is quite insensitive considering half of said assets were acquired with his/her personal funds. This is where the law on civil union applies, by according the remaining partner what is due him/her legally.
Aside from this legal issue, Pope Francis was merely referring to gender equality or equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities, regardless of gender.
It is an open secret that the LGBTQ community had been the subject of discrimination, bullying, ridicule, over the years. Truthfully speaking, they are undeserving of the rancor inflicted upon them by some sectors of society, because they are among the most kind-hearted, hard-working, talented and compassionate human beings I know, apart from having contributed more to society than most "straight" people.
In addition, we need to commiserate with them because some did not choose to, but were merely born into that situation. That is why early on in their lives, a sense of perplexity usually ensues. They find themselves in a state of confusion and get baffled when as young boys they prefer dolls to toy guns, and vice versa for girls.
It's about time we accord them not only acceptance and understanding, but more importantly, respect which they rightfully deserve. After all, they are our brothers and sisters.
If God does not discriminate, why should we?
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