LGBT sector lauds provision of Anti-Bullying Act

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the country lauded yesterday a provision in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 which protects homosexual students against discrimination in schools.

Republic Act No. 10627, otherwise known as the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, prohibits gender-based bullying, which refers to “any act that humiliates or excludes a person on the basis of perceived or actual sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).”

Clara Rita Padilla, executive director of EnGenderRights, said the inclusion of gender-based bullying is important in preventing gender-based discrimination and gender-based violence.

“It does get better, LGBT children,” said Twitter user Camel Parker Bowles (@BinibiningCamel).

The law, which was signed by President Aquino last Sept. 6, requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying in their institutions.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro signed the IRR for RA 10627 last Dec. 13.

About one fourth of all students from elementary age through high school are the victims of bullying and harassment while inside school premises because of their race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion or sexual orientation, according to the website www.bullyingstatistics.org.