Rep. Arlene Brosas
Solons back continuous fight for LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination Law
IN time for the commemoration of revolutuonary hero Andres Bonifacio, two members of the House of Representatives (HOR) issued a strong statement of support to the continuous efforts to fight for the LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination law.
Gabriella Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said the absence of the Anti-Discrimination Law in the Philippines continues to enable systematic discrimination against our LGBTQIA+ community.
“Their rights are human rights, fundamental and non-negotiable.” Brosas said.
“We have a moral obligation to push for the immediate passage of the SOGIE Bill, ensure implementation of existing local anti-discrimination ordinances, and promote gender sensitive education and awareness programs, support LGBTQIA+ representation in governance and decision-making. Hindi na dapat patagalin… kaya maki-beki at ‘wag ma-shokot,” Brosas added.
Meanwhile, veteran LGBTQI+ advocate and Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña said, “The only way forward is to go back to our core – mutual respect, social justice, and human rights – our fundamentals in laying the groundwork for a just, humane, and inclusive society.”
In line with this, advocacy group Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY), in partnership with the German Embassy, have worked with local government units and reported that six local government units namely Pasay City, Batangas City, San Jose del Monte Bulacan, Lapu-Lapu City Cebu, Zamboanga City, and Cordon Isabela have undergone series of consultations and campaigns that enabled them to craft and implement their own anti-discrimination ordinances.
Sharing the lessons learned by Germany where it took 49 after the fall of Nazi Regime for them to address the issue on gender equality, German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke hopes to advance LGBTQI+ inclusion in local and national governance.
The Ambassador said that legal recognition is just the first step, as true equality requires a societal shift, one that is reflected in the laws and policies of our communities – but also in the mindset of our people.
“This is the reason why we have partnered with PANTAY to help select local government units to implement their Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. The LGUs for Equality project aims to develop monitoring tool kits for local governments and civil society in their effort to enforce anti-discrimination ordinances in their jurisdictions,” Pfaffernoschke said.
“As equality advocates, we must work with our allies in the local level to ignite hope and serve as the guiding light for more LGUs to create safe spaces & opportunities for LGBTQI+ voices to be heard,” PANTAY Executive Director Rye Manuzon said.
According to various studies and reports from progressive organization, 74% Filipinos experience discrimination. These include workplace discrimination and limited economic opportunities, bullying and harassment in schools and limited access to healthcare services (4) violence and abuse within their own families and (5) lack of legal recognition and protection.
