Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _ 184 3

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA
Reps. NERIJ. COLMENARES and CARLOS ISAGANIT. 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
(LGBT) in the Philippines, much has to be donc 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 to
socially prescribed sexual and gender codes are still the targets of stigma, discrimination and
violence.

Thousands of LGBTs 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.

Oflate, there have been increasing reports of violent erimes perpetrated against LGBT.
According to Hate Crime Watch, which monitors media reports on rights violations against
LGBTs, there have been 54 reported cases of killings against gays and lesbians documented in
media since 1996. But ic is the undocumented cases outside media coverage which are
estimated to 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 LGBT.

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
homosexuality from 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 LGBT 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 or fined. In some countries such as Uganda, there is even a pending
legislation making homosexuality punishable by death.



Advocates who defend human rights 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 LGB's and their families.

‘This bill acknowledges the reality of homophobia and discrimination and secks to promote
public consciousness about the need to respect the rights of LGBTs and end the violence, hate
and discrimination heaped on them, It hopes to provide mote 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 carnestly sought.

Approved,

Rep. JAVIER COLMERGRES neinBoise nb are

ayan Myina Party-list Bayan Muna Party-list



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo, _1843

Introduced by BAYAN MUNA.
Reps. NERIJ. COLMENARES and 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 House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. -‘This act shall be known as the “National Day against Homophobia
and Transphobia Act of 2013.”

SECTION 2. In recognition of the observance of the Intemational 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 che sights of lesbians, gays,
bisexuals and transgenders in the country and the nced to end the discrimination, oppression
and intolerance they are faced with in society.

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

SECTION 5. Effectivity, ‘This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette ot in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,