Dec 9, 2013 by -

First US visa for same-sex couples issued in PH

By ABS-CBNnews.com

Dec. 9, 2013

MANILA – The United States Embassy in Manila has issued its first fiancé visa to a same-sex couple on Monday.

Noel “Aeinghel” Amaro and Robert Cotterman were the first gay couple in the Philippines to receive a fiancé visa.

The embassy said Cotterman serves in the US military and is scheduled to return from a tour in Afghanistan in January 2014.

The two met online and will be married January 2014 in the US.

The embassy said that although same-sex marriage is not recognized in the Philippines, gay Americans are now able to petition for family-based visas on behalf of their Filipino spouses, fiances, and their children.

This comes after the US Supreme Court struck down the portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This means that the US federal government must extend all federal rights and privileges of marriage to any married couple, regardless of sexual orientation.

Currently, gay couples can marry in 16 of the 50 American states, and the nation’s capital.

The embassy said that Filipina Maria Cecilia Limson Gahuman and American Maria Carla Antonio also received a fiancé visa. The couple met through a mutual friend over a decade ago.

“With their fiancé visa, the couple will transition their 10-year relationship from long-distance to marriage in California on December 30, 2013,” the embassy said.

Meanwhile, the embassy wants to educate gay Filipinos about new visa opportunities. Filipinos in same-sex relationships with Americans are encouraged to view the Visas section of the Embassy website for more information.

by Balitang America - Dec 9, 2013

by Balitang America - Dec 9, 2013
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  • Joey
    10 December 2013 at 2:25 am - Reply

    This is good news for young Pinoys illegal allien, magasawa ka nalang ng bakla. Be sure the Bakla/Gay is a citizen.Be careful maraming fake na green card holder.. For old Pinoys or Pinays makunat kana.. umuwi ka na lang..

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