In about-face, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte now supports gay unions
President was previously was quoted by local media as saying he was opposed to gay unions because marriage in the Philippines is only between a man and a woman
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed his support for same-sex unions, after previously declaring his opposition to gay marriage, in an about-face that may displease bishops in the mainly Roman Catholic country.
Speaking at a gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in his hometown Davao City Sunday, Duterte vowed to protect the rights of homosexuals and invited them to nominate a representative to work in his government.
“I said I am for (same) sex marriage if that is the trend of the modern times,” he said.
“If that will add to your happiness, I am for it.”
Duterte previously was quoted by local media as saying he was opposed to gay unions because marriage in the Philippines is only between a man and a woman.
Duterte had brought up the gender issue in the past while attacking Western countries that allow it, especially those who criticise his brutal war on drugs.