LGBT In Philippines Get Rights To Election By Supreme Court
April 22nd, 2010 by BabeThe Supreme Court of the Philippines in an unanimous decision, has overturned a ban on allowing the Ang Ladlad (in English: Coming Out) party to contest in next month’s national elections for the first time. The Commission on Elections in the Philippines had initially refused to recognize Ang Ladlad (in English: Coming Out) as an official political party last November because in the Commission’s view the party tolerated “immorality” and offended both Christians and Muslims.
The Court stated that Ang Ladlad had complied with all legal requirements for accreditation and that there is no law in the Philippines against homosexuality.
“This is a significant development and sends a positive message about the ability of LGBT individuals and groups to engage in political and social activities without discrimination. This landmark decision is a progressive step towards full respect for and protection of the rights of LGBT people in the Philippines,” said Hazel Galang of Amnesty International
Ang Ladlad is one of more than 100 parties seeking to win 50 of the 286 seats in the House of Representatives allocated for marginalized sectors.
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