'Protect LGBTQAI+ members from stigma, discrimination, hate' -- CHR
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has assured members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQIA+) community of its willingness to listen for adoption of recommendations of policies and laws that would "protect them from stigma, discrimination and hate."
The assurance was issued by the CHR when its officials and personnel joined the Pride March 2024 in Quezon City last June 22.
They even jointed the Quezon City government's #LoveLaban2Everyone: Pride PH Festival. There was a line-up of games and prizes at the CHR Booth in the festival, which were intended to underscore the importance of human rights in a fun and engaging way.
Also, CHR officials and personnel joined in the chants of courage and calls to stand up for everyone’s rights through the streets.
In a statement, the CHR said: "As the country’s Gender and Development Ombud, we emphasize that Pride, beyond being a celebration of identity and diversity, is a protest to assert the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community."
"It is, likewise, an urgent call for the passage of policies that empower and protect them. Let us remind ourselves of the struggles that the community faces to this date in all aspects of living, to which they have long been subjected to violence, discrimination, and even deprivation of access to public services such as education, healthcare, family rights, and basic security," it said.
It pointed out tht the government plays a "critical role" in upholding equality in every society. In this case, it said, the government can help by fast tracking the passage of the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill.
In doing so, the CHR said it would affirm the State’s obligation in upholding equality and ensuring that the LGBTQIA+ community is protected under the law.
It also said: "We look forward to the day when these bills are prioritized by the members of Congress, with a perspective on protecting the equal dignity and rights of all citizens. Let us keep in mind that these legislations do not intend to grant greater preference to the LGBTQIA+ community. Instead, these seek to address the vulnerabilities they have long been subjected to and create a safe space for them."