The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday, June 6, urged lawmakers to pass the bills that would ensure the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) community.
“As the 20th Congress is set to begin, the Commission expresses its hope that these legislative measures will finally be prioritized --grounded in the principles of equality, justice, and human rights,” the CHR said in a statement.
“CHR believes that a genuinely inclusive society is one where safe spaces are not a privilege, but a right -- free from stigma, discrimination, and hate,” it also said.
The CHR noted that there are a number of proposed legislative measures that needed to be passed.
It cited the proposed measures on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill, and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill (CADB).
“These measures are vital in fulfilling the State’s obligation to uphold equality and guarantee legal protection for the LGBTQI community,” the CHR pointed out.
“It is important to emphasize that these proposals do not seek to provide undue advantage to the LGBTQI community, but rather to address systemic inequities and ensure a safe and respectful space for all,” it stressed.
It noted that its statement was issued on the occasion of this year’s Pride Month.
It said it stands in solidarity with the LGBTQI community “in recognizing their freedom, identity, and diversity.”
“As the country’s Gender and Development Ombud, CHR emphasizes that Pride is more than just a celebration of colors -- it is also a protest that asserts the rights of the LGBTQI community,” it added.