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The Philippines:
Congress Considers New Laws to Stop Bias

Filipinos Picket, Urge Politicians to Vote for Their Protection

One Bill Would Deny Marriage Rights for the Transgendered

Compiled by GayToday

IGLHRC's Program Officer for Asia and the Pacific Daniel Lee

Manila, The Philippines--On Tuesday, September 25, Filipino activists picketed here pressuring the legislature to pass bills that would protect the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people. The Congress is considering three bills that would afford anti-discrimination protections as well as a fourth bill that would deny marriage rights to transgender people.

The picket was organized by the Lesbian and Gay Legislative Action Network (LAGABLAB) and Amnesty International-Pilipinas (AIP). The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joined the effort with an international letter-writing campaign.

"The international community has a real opportunity to make a difference right now," said Daniel Lee, IGLHRC's Program Officer for Asia and the Pacific. "Our letters of support will keep the space for dialogue on sexual orientation and human rights open in the Filipino legislature."

"We want to be protected against abuse and discrimination, that is our right as human beings," said Ging Cristobal, spokesperson for LAGABLAB, adding: "We are thankful that we have enlightened minds in the legislature that recognize this fact."

"Discrimination based on sexual orientation is rampant largely because of misconceptions and the ignorance of the public on the inherent human rights of lesbians and gays," stated Jessica Soto, AIP's Executive Director.

The bills currently under consideration are:

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HB 2784, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in the work place, educational institutions, use of public services or facilities, and medical and other health services.

HB 0983 and HB1137, prohibiting discrimination in the recruitment, employment, promotion, and dismissal of gays and lesbians.

HB1503 on the other hand would define marriage as the union of a "natural-born" male with a "natural-born" female, thus denying legitimate marriage rights to transgender people. A similar bill had been introduced in 1999.

Background information: http://www.iglhrc.org/world/se_asia/index.html#Philippines.