The Philippine Online Chronicles

“Love is universal regardless of your sexual orientation and gender identity,” says Ladlad Partylist Chairperson Ms. Bemz D. Benedito.

Benedito’s statement is a response to Pope Benedict XVI speech last Monday where he said that gay marriage undermines the family, which he considers as “the fundamental cell of society.” The Catholic leader also pronounced it as a threat to “human dignity and the future of humanity itself.”

“I do not see the point of the Holy See stating that gay marriage is a threat to humanity when marriage is about love and God is love,” Benedito said.

Furthermore, the Pope told an audience of diplomats that the education of children needed proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman."

Ladlad believes that the Pope’s obsession with the “traditional” family ideal, apart from demonizing same-sex marriage, also undervalues other domestic arrangements like extended families and single parents.  The group calls on the Catholic leader to emphasize instead family values like love, respect, mutual support, patience and understanding.

"How can gays be a threat to "traditional families", LGBTs never stopped heterosexual couples from marrying and having children?” said Ladlad vice chair, Atty. Germaine Leonin. “If they separate or divorce, neglect and abuse their kids, we also don't have anything to do with that, so why should LGBTs be blamed for everything?” asked Leonin.

The partylist of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) points out that the real threats to humanity are people who continuously encourage hatred and intolerance.

“The Pope achieves nothing with his words of divisiveness. What we need are religious leaders who exemplify having an open mind and open heart,” said Benedito.

Ladlad will run as Partylist in 2013 midterm elections.