Bill 185 is expected to be on the agenda when Speaker Judi Won Pat calls for a session on Feb. 22.
The bill’s supporters will host a “Thank You, Guam” wave this Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Chief Quipuha Loop in Hagåtña in an advanced expression of gratitude to lawmakers who will vote in favor of same-sex civil partnership.
Last month, the Archdiocese of Agana submitted to the speaker’s office over 7,000 signed petitions from various Catholic parishes, schools and organizations throughout the island. Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron hopes that the petitions will encourage senators to vote “no” on the bill.
“The submission of these petitions, through the initiative of local residents and voters, is yet another sign of the Church’s opposition to Bill 185,” Apuron said. “I am calling upon our legislators to remain responsible and accountable to these concerned citizens as they debate Bill 185.”
Apuron is also calling on Guam residents to lobby against the measure by contacting elected officials via phone, fax, and e-mail and by visiting their offices.
Apuron in his message stated that the Catholic Church continues to reach out to all persons “with same sex attractions through personal interaction and church ministry, including parents and families facing this issue. The Archdiocese of Agana embraces every Christian member of this Church with the love, compassion and sensitivity that our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to share with our sisters and brothers.”
“As the local community faces this moral challenge, I continue to offer my sincere and humble prayers for the Island of Guam, especially for our public servants,” Apuron continued. “Let us continue to unite in prayer and remain steadfast in peace as this issue comes before our civil leaders.”
Derick Hills, a proponent for Bill 185 and the Youth Congress speaker, said the issue not about religion but all about civil rights.
“As one of the advocates of this sensitive piece of legislation, civil rights should be a right, not a privilege,” Hills said. “Since June of 2009, many came out in opposition to the civil partnership bill not because they believe same-gendered partners are less looked upon but based on their religious upbringing.”
