In light of the recent US Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, other countries have also called on their governments to allow gay marriage. One of those countries is the Philippines. Facebook profile photos suddenly featured the users with a rainbow filter, and the hashtag #lovewins trended on Twitter in the Philippines and around the world.
Gay marriage may not be legal in the Philippines, but what many do not know is that a gay couple has already been married here. And it comes in the unlikely setting of the New People’s Army.
According to a post shared by Thomas van B. on Facebook:
On Feb. 4 2005, the New People’s Army (NPA) conducted the first same-sex marriage in the Philippines. Two guerrilla fighters who have participated in the armed struggle against the pro-U.S. regime in Manila, Ka Andres and Ka Jose, exchanged their vows before their comrades, friends and local villagers.
The ceremony was filled with symbolism representing their love and their cause. Ka Andres and Ka Jose held each other’s hand throughout the wedding and held a bullet in the other instead of rings as a representation of their commitment to the armed struggle.
During the ceremony, Ka Andres and Ka Jose were draped in a sequined flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which was secured by a long, beaded rope around the couple and their sponsors.
The story was featured on the Philippine Daily Inquirer (even appearing on the front page), and became a question on the hit TV show Game KNB?.
In response to the marriage, representatives of the Philippine government have condemned the NPA for lacking religion. A spokesperson for the Air Force generals allegedly said, “This proves that they have no god and their morality is very much in question.”
According to Ka Andres:
Gay cadres adhere to the strong party discipline. They enhance the prestige of gays in the movement. This has gained positive results through the years. Comrades (male and female) and even the masses have learned to respect and recognize gays and their contribution to the revolution.
Ka Jose also said:
What we have to do now–with the help of the party–is to work on our marriage and to be strong while serving the people.
Sadly, Ka Jose died from liver illness years ago and Ka Andres left the movement.
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