Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. __ 4653

Introduced by Rep. TEDDY A. CASING:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite modest gains on social and legal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders
(LGBT) in the Philippines, much has to be done for them to achieve full legal and social
equality.

While the Philippine Constitution clearly states that “The State values the dignity of every
human person and guarantees full respect for human rights,” people who do not conform wo

socially prescribed sexual and gender codes are still the targets of stigma, disctimination and
violence.

Thousands of 1 GB's still suffer the harsh reality of homophobia (fear of | homosexuals) and.
transphobia (fear of transgenders) in their daily lives. Many are refused employment, the use
of public facies or health care services, among others, because of their sexual orientation
and gender identity.

Of late, there have been increasing reports of violent crimes perpetrated against LGBTs,
-\ccording to Hate Crime Warch which monitors media teports on rights violations against
LGBIIs, there have been 54 reported cases of killings against gays and lesbians documented
in media since 1996. But it is the undocumented cases outside media covecage which are
estimated t0 be much greater.

While laws protecting marginalized sectors such as women, children, migrants, national
minorities, and the elderly have been passed, Congress has yet to pass measures protecting
the rights of LGBTs.

May 17th is known as the International Day Against Homophobia and ‘Transphobia or
IDAHO in commemoration of that day in 1990 shea the World Health Oxganizarion
removed homosemuality from its International Classification of Meatal Disorders. Every year
0 this date, people all over the world pause and ponder on the high human and social cost
of discrimination, violence and harassment against LGBTs all over the world, especially in 80
countries where acts, specch, works, and other things related to same-sex and same-gender
relations are stil punished or fined. in some counties such as Uganda, there is even a

peoding legislation making homosexuality punishable by death.



Advocates who defend human rights based on sexual otientation and gender identity in the
Philippines join IDAHO observances around the world with a oumber of social gatherings

and private activities that contribute to the gradual achievement of equality, acceptance, and
freedom for LGBT and their families.

This bill acknowledges the reality of homophobia and discrimination and seeks to promote
public consciousness about the need to respect the rights of LGBT and end the violence,
hate and discrimination heaped on them. Jt hopes to provide more opportunities to discuss
and search for solutions to the problems confronted by our fellow human beings

In this light, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

Approved,

TEDDY A. CASINO
Bayan Muna Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _4 8 53

introduced by Rep. TEDDY A, CASINO

AN ACT
DECLARING MAY 17? OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL DAY AGAINST
HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

‘Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of tbe Philippines in Congress assembled

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “National Day against
Homophobia and Transphobia Act of 2011.”

SECTION 2. In secognition of the observance of the International Day against
Transphobia and Homophobia which was first commemorated on May 17, 1990 after
the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its International Classification
of Mental Disorders.

SECTION 3. ‘The National Day against Homophobia and ‘Transphobia shall be
commemorated in the Philippines every year as in recognition of the rights of lesbians, gays,
bisexuals and transgenders in the country and the need to end the disctimination, oppression
and intolerance they ate faced with in society.

SECTION 4. All government offices, private institutions, schools, colleges and universities
are hereby encouraged to extend theit full support for exercises and activities in the
observance, promotion and protection of LGBT tights.

SECTION 5. Effectivity, ‘Uhis Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least ewo (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,