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Mga
bagong anyo ng pakikibakaI pasa ang Anti-Discrimination
Bill, now na!
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THIS
is the battle cry of lesbians, gays, bisexuals,
and transgenders (LGBT) who massed at the Remedios
Circle and marched to Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate,
Manila last December 9, 2006 as part of the annual
LGBT Pride March.
Members of the third sex have long been the object
of discrimination everywhere in the world, especially
in the workplace where some get fired for their
sexuality.
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In
the Philippines, gay groups, such as the Task Force
Pride which headed the latest Pride March, have been
actively campaigning for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination
Bill since 1999. This is to penalize companies, organizations,
or individuals who discriminate against people based
on their gender or sexual orientation.
If passed, the Anti-Discrimination Law will criminalize
discriminatory policies, including unwritten practices,
to promote a more equal environment for everyone.
In a predominantly Christian country such as the Philippines,
many still hold on to the fundamentalist view that
homosexuality is a sin and should be shunned by Christians.
This led to more rampant discrimination in society,
thus making the passage of a bill that aims to protect
everyone—men and women, including gays, alike—an
uphill battle for human rights activists. |
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The
latest Anti-Discrimination Bill is authored by Akbayan
Party-list Representatives Etta Rosales, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquiel,
and Mario Aguja. In the Senate, the bill is authored
by Senators Bong Revilla Jr., Loi Ejercito Estrada,
and Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
In Congress, it is set for Second Hearing in the House
Committee on Civil, Political, and Human Rights. On
the other hand, the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment,
and Human Resources Development held its first hearing
on the bill last August 9, 2006. |
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| By
Ronalisa A. Co |
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