The Commission on Human Rights called on the government to reconsider its rejection of a UN Human Rights Council recommendation to pass a gender equality bill and other similar measures protecting the LGBTQ community, as it noted that several local governments have already promulgated ordinances protecting their constituents against discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla recently led the Philippine delegation to the country’s Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, where 107 member states urged the Philippine government to end the policy of Red-tagging and the climate of impunity against activists, rights workers and journalists.
Most of the 289 recommendations urged the Philippines to protect the interests of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as women, children, indigenous folk and the LGBTQ.
While the delegation accepted 200 of those recommendations, it rejected calls to push legislation on gender identity, same sex marriage and divorce, citing religious grounds.
Remulla’s statements of that the passage of a Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (Sogie) bill was “not acceptable” in the Philippines as a predominantly Catholic country is thought to downplay efforts against discrimination, but even further embolden it against LGBTQ members in the name of religious beliefs.
In a statement, the CHR reminded Remulla that several local governments have already promulgated ordinances protecting their constituents against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said that while respect for other people’s beliefs was part of upholding other people’s rights, the Sogie bill and other similar proposals were part of the country’s obligations to ensure that every citizen is free from threats and harm and is treated equally.
“In the end, the country will be judged and viewed through how it treats the weak, vulnerable and marginalized. The challenge before the government is to serve and address the plight of the unseen and unheard, to recognize silenced realities, and live up to its commitment that it will unconditionally uphold the inherent human rights, dignity and worth of all, regardless of their identity,” he said.
The vulnerable and marginalized in society, in this case the LGBTQ community, are not asking for special privileges. They are merely asking for equal privileges which unfortunately, cannot be guaranteed without legislation like the Sogie bill. It should be government’s job to provide that same protection for all, regardless of their beliefs and identity.*
