DSWD promotes LGBT rights

MANILA, Philippines - The government will continue to uphold the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, including those that belong to intersex and queer communities, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said yesterday.

In a speech, Taguiwalo said the Philippines remains among the more liberal members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with 70 percent of Filipinos thinking that homosexuality should be accepted by society.

She added that although many cities, including Cebu, Davao and Quezon City, have passed anti-discrimination ordinances, there is much to be done to stop the discrimination of LGBT members and increase the level of tolerance, understanding and acceptance for these individuals.

Studies conducted by international groups showed that next to Australia, the Philippines is the most tolerant nation when it comes to LGBT communities in Asia-Pacific, she also said.

Taguiwalo scored efforts by some religious groups who oppose legislations that promote the civil rights of homosexuals.

“When people we love and care about tell us that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual, our reaction will have a significant impact on how they will accept and share themselves with others,” Taguiwalo said, adding that educating the Filipino society on LGBT rights should start at home.