u/MilcahRawr

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New ambience just dropped babe

Since the Philippines is one of a few handful of countries that do not allow divorce and religion tends to interfere with laws and politics, perhaps it could be better if it ended up being a Christian (more specifically Catholic) totalitarian state similar to Iran or Afghanistan.

Here's an idea how this alternate Philippines would go:

1. GOVERNMENT AND ENFORCEMENT

The Philippines may either be governed by the Pope or a Vatican-backed leader/political group. If its governed by a group, I could imagine it being ruled by a Falange-like group or something more extreme than that a la the Taliban. It could also be ruled by clergymen, but they could serve as representatives of the Pope, similar to how countries like NZ and Canada are ruled by one king.

The Inquisition serves as the eyes and ears of this government, keeping track of potential "heretics" and enforcing religious law everywhere they go, similar to the CCP, such as a "Lord's Day" law where it is mandatory for businesses to close on Sundays or "No-Meat" laws every Lent or on Fridays.

(imagine cops forcing you to pray the rosary if you've broken curfew lol)

2.GENDER AND SEXUALITY

Patriarchial values would be upholded and everyone would be told to "act" their gender. Men and women of working age would be assigned jobs based their gender, while in schools, boys and girls would be split up into separate sections/buildings to avoid cross-gender mingling or "contamination". These students would be taught gender-appropriate lessons by teachers of their own sex.

Once women marry, they are not allowed to take up jobs until widowhood (or job opportunities are more limited), as they are deemed as "men's dependents". Women are also not allowed to take up higher education, as it may "turn them into manlike beings" but could take up alternatives. Women are also not allowed to mostly inherit or own property if they marry, as all of their inheritances/properties go to their husbands and if they have brothers, these brothers may be candidates for inheritance.

Girls and women who are pregnant without ever getting married are incarated into "Pentiment Centers" similar to Irish Magdalene laundries, but some girls and women may be admitted to such institutions due to disability or whatnot.

Feminism or gender equality is more or less not permitted or encouraged. Women are not allowed to vote either.

Individuals who are LGBT+ (this includes acts of homosexuality, transgenderism, etc.) could be persecuted by the Inquisition and are subject to forced "sexual conversions/detransitions" and torture, often leading to death.

Sex work is strictly prohibited.

3. POP CULTURE AND MEDIA

Media is always made to conform to the inquisition's standards and "Catholic Values". To do this, the Inquisition often analyzes pieces of media and see if they are worthy of release. If a piece of media does not hit the criteria, they are often banned or heavily censored.

Mass media mainly promotes Catholic propaganda.

Popular genres of music such as hip-hop and rock are discouraged/banned.

However there are scores of citizens, especially young people, who may sneak into black marketplaces to obtain forbidden pieces of media.

If there's the internet, it may either be banned or heavily censored... kinda

4. CLOTHING

Girls and women are only allowed to wear dresses or skirts, while boys and men are only allowed to wear pants. Skirts must not be above the knees.

Everyone must remain modest at all times. Showing cleavage or a midriff is considered as indecency and may be paid with a fine.

5. EDUCATION

Religious clergy members, nuns, or monks are in charge of the education of youth, but civilian men regardless of marital status or unmarried/widowed civilian women may also work as teachers.

Female civilian teachers can undergo training in high school or in vocational schools, but not colleges.

Religious teachings and propaganda are infused within normal school lessons, therefore indoctrinating students.

6. RELIGIOUS POLICY

Citizens are encouraged to adhere to Catholicism and/or its teachings. Those who do not adhere to the Catholic faith are considered enemies of the state and Christianity and may face punishments such as forced conversions and the like.

Attempting to convert or de-convert a citizen may result in death.

Or everyone could be allowed to choose a religion, but those who are marrying Catholics must convert.

Foreign visitors, regardless of religion, must respect the law or face the consequences.

7. IMMIGRATION

Anyone from a Catholic-majority nation is welcome to immigrate, provided they must be Catholic.

I could also picture defectors escaping from this totalitarian nation

What do you think of my ideas for this hypothetical authoritarian Christian state? Are they good?

Maybe you could provide your own ideas too!