Lawmaker files bill vs discrimination of gays, lesbians

MANILA, Philippines - A bill seeking to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians has been filed at the House of Representatives.

Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao filed House Bill 110 or the proposed Anti-Discrimination Act on Monday, which aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination that offends the equal protection clause of the Bill of Rights as well as obligations under human rights instruments acceded to by the government.

“Discrimination shall be understood to imply any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference, which is based on any ground such as sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, whether actual or perceived, and which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by all persons an equal footing of all rights and freedoms,” the bill stated.

Under the bill, sexual orientation refers to the direction of emotional sexual attraction or conduct, which can be toward people of the same sex (homosexual) or people of both sexes (bisexual) or toward people of the opposite sex (heterosexual).

Denying access to public service, including military service, is among the discriminatory practices that could be penalized under the measure.

The bill said sexual orientation and gender identity should not also be used as the basis for hiring, promotion and dismissal of workers and in the determination of compensation, training, incentives, privileges, benefits or allowances, and other terms and conditions of employment.

A person cannot be refused admission or expelled from educational and medical institutions or denied access to the use of establishments, facilities, utilities or services, including housing, based on his or her sexual orientation, the bill said.

Violators face a fine ranging from P100,000 to P500,000 and a maximum prison term of  six years.