Group lauds Sitoy's concern for "gay" attacks

CEBU, Philippines - Concerned with the recent reported attacks on gays in the city, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy met with gender-equality advocate group, Bisdak Pride Incorporated, to know more about the issue.

Roxanne Doron, founder and president of Bisdak Pride Inc., also sought possible assistance that Sitoy could extend to lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgenders.

Sitoy filed an anti-discrimination ordinance which is now pending before the provincial board.

Doron’s group condemned the killing of a 50-year-old homosexual in Minglanilla and the pellet gun attacks on gays in Cebu City last October 13 perpetrated by men on board a white car with no license plate.

“These are such unfortunate incidents. We’re happy that Honorable Arleigh Sitoy is gathering data on the incident and wants to discuss the matter with us,” Doron said.

Doron said they are hopeful that government will address the issue. They are seeking justice for the victims.

“We see a pattern in the attacks. Both victims of the separate shooting incidents in the city last week were gays. There’s still utter disrespect, discrimination and prejudice sa mga bayot,” Alvin Truya, a member of the group, said.

Truya said these incidents add to the pain that they endure in their schools, workplaces, families, church, and in media.

Neverthelss, Truya said, they want to show the public that they are not letting these things pass.

“We are watching. Every gay is a person of the society. We are interconnected so we go for equality. Violation na sa human rights,” he said.

Apart from Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBT) and Bisdak Pride, Doron said other groups should also condemn the recent attacks.

Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, who condemned the attack, said the incidents appear to be the latest in a series of recent violent crimes against homosexuals and transgenders.

Based on news reports and independent complaints collated by the Philippine LGBT Hate Crime Watch, there have been 103 cases of LGBT killings since 1996.

Casiño is the author of House Bill 1483 which directs the House Committee on Human Rights to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the reported killings and hate crimes against LGBTs.

Casiño said hating and hurting people just because they have a different sexual orientation or gender identity is just the same as hating them based on religion, political belief, race or sex.     - (THE FREEMAN)