Petitioner: No intention to force churches to perform same-sex unions

MANILA, Philippines — "Love will finally have its day in court!"

Petitioner Jesus Falcis III is elated that the petition he filed nearly three years ago will finally have its day in court as the Supreme Court set oral arguments on it.

Falcis said that the coming debate is a "historic opportunity" to push for equal protection of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

In May 2015, Falcis, a lawyer, asked the SC to declare as unconstitutional Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

On Tuesday, March 6, the SC en banc set oral arguments on his petition on June 19, 2:00 p.m.

READ: SC sets oral debates on petition to pave way for same-sex marriages

Petition is for civil unions, not church marriages

The petition and the subsequent oral arguments are expected to draw strong criticisms and objection from the Catholic Church, but Falcis is quick to clarify the appeal only aims for civil marriages.

"Our petitions will not legalize same-sex marriages in churches," he said.

"Our petitions, when granted, will only legalize same-sex marriages under the law – civil marriages performed before judges and mayors," Falcis added.

The petitioner also stressed that no church "will be compelled" to marry the couples seeking to legalize their union.

"The right to freedom of religion will not be violated," he said.

Falcis, who identified himself in the petition as gay, argued that limiting marriage to heterosexual couples is a violation of the rights to due process and equal protection.

The Family Code was issued as Executive Order 209 by President Corazon Aquino in 1987