Same sex couples in the Philippines can now co-own property following Supreme Court decision
"Our laws should be read from more contemporary lenses."
The Philippines' Supreme Court has handed down a major win for LGBTQIA+ rights.
On 10 February, the high court announced that same-sex couples in the country can now co-own property, under Article 148 of the Family Code.
According to the BBC, this is the first time the Philippine Supreme Court has invoked Article 148 to resolve a case involving same-sex couples.
Aside from the recent ruling, the Philippines has no additional anti-discrimination laws for the local LGBTQIA+ community. The country has also banned same sex marriage and adoption, resulting in the loss of legal protections regarding finances and health care.
The decision handed down on 5 February stems from a lengthy property dispute between former couple Jennifer Josef and Evalyn Ursua.
