Party-list solons hit ‘discrimination’ against gay group

Party-list representatives Monday sympathized with “Ang Ladlad,” a gay organization that was earlier disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from participating in next year’s party-list elections on grounds of immorality.

Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman pointed out that the Comelec has no power or authority to judge the morality of any individual or group in a political exercise.

“We sympathize with Ang Ladlad’s disqualification as party-list. We believe that it is not within Comelec’s or any government institution’s mandate to judge the morality of any person or group,” the Muslim congressman told reporters in an interview.

Last week, the Comelec rejected the petition for registration of Ang Ladlad as a sectoral party representing the Filipino lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Militant lawmakers like Reps. Liza Maza of Gabriela and Raymond Palatino of Kabataan Party-list said the Comelec’s decision barring Ang Ladlad from seeking congressional representation on grounds that it “tolerates immorality” is an outright discrimination.

“This is a clear violation of the right of persons, especially from the marginalized sectors, to be involved in the political processes. It is reflective of the prevailing culture where homophobia and discrimination prevails,” Maza said.

Palatino said the youth sector was saddened with the Comelec’s decision to dismiss the petition for registration filed by Ang Ladlad. “It is unfortunate that discrimination against the LGBT community is reflected in offices such as the Comelec, an agency that is expected to know what the meaning of democracy is,” he said.