Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

A
HOUSE BILL No. 4413

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA Rep. CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite modest gains on social and legal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders
(LGBY) 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 guatantees full respect for human tights,” people who do not conform to socially
prescribed sexual and gender codes ae still the targets of stigma, discrimination and violence.

‘Thousands of LGBYs 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 facilities 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 LGB's.
According to Hate Crime Watch, which monitors media reports on tights violations against
LGBT, 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 coverage which ate estimated
to be much greater

One of the more infamous of these hate crimes against LGB'Ts was the brutal killing of Jennifer
Laude in October 2014, She was found dead with her head leaning on the rim of the toilet bowl,
half naked. Autopsy reports later indicated that she died of asphyxiation by drowning, US Matine
Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was then on R&R while their ship was docked in the Subic Bay
Freeport, was found guilty of homicide after a much-publicized trial, which did not only
highlighted the increasing hate etimes against the members of the LGBT community but also
brought out the issue of the onerous Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

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 17 is known as the International Day Against Homophobia and ‘Transphobia or IDAHO in
commemoration of that day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed

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homosexuality ftom its International Classification of Mental Disorders. Every year on 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,
speech, works, and other things related to same-sex and same-gender relations are still punished
ot fined, In some countries such as Uganda, there is even a pending legislation making
homosexuality punishable by death.

Advocates who defend human tights based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the
Philippines join IDAHO observances around the world with a number of social gatherings and
private activities that contribute to the gradual achievement of equality, acceptance, and freedom
for LGBYs and their families

This bill acknowledges the seality of homophobia and discrimination and seeks to promote
public consciousness about the need to respect the tights of LGBTs and end the violence, hate
and discrimination heaped on them. It hopes to provide more opportunities to discuss and
seatch for solutions to the problems confronted by our fellow human beings.

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

Approved,

Rep. Ritosisacitrs De

Bayan Muna Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4413

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA Rep. CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and the Elouse of Representatives ofthe Pbilippines in Congress assembled

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “National Day against Homophobia
and Transphobia Act of 2016.”

SECTION 2. In recognition 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 discrimination, oppression and

intolerance the} ed with in society

SECTION 4, All government offices, private institutions,
hereby encouraged to extend their fall support for exer
promotion and protection of LGBT rights,

hols, colleges and universities are
‘s and activities in the observance,

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

Approved,