The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) extended its message of solidarity to the LGBTQI-plus community as they celebrate ‘Pride Month’ this June with a renewed push for the passage of a proposed legislation denouncing all sorts of discriminatory behavior based on sex and gender identity.
In a statement released Friday, the CHR called for respect on the human rights of non-binary individuals, noting that Pride Month is not just a celebration of colors and identities, but also a protest for equality and recognition.
The Commission reiterated its call for the urgent passage of key policies, including the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, or Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill in the 20th Congress.
“These measures are vital in fulfilling the State’s obligation to uphold equality and guarantee legal protection for the LGBTQI community. It is important to emphasize that these proposals do not seek to provide undue advantage to the LGBTQI community, but rather to address systemic inequities and ensure a safe and respectful space for all,” the CHR said.
LGBTQI-plus stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other labels—outside the traditional male and female identities—that people use to define their SOGIESC, representing diversity.
As the 20th Congress begins, the CHR hopes that proposed legislations establishing SOGIESC and anti-discrimination policies will be prioritized, grounded in the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.
It emphasized the need to institutionalize a genuinely inclusive society where safe spaces are provided as a right, not a privilege.
