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Vol. 13, No. 54 - May 18, 2005
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Committee News A Publication of the Committee Affairs Department
Anti-discrimination bill approved by Committee
Committee Source: Human Rights
A BILL that aims to rectify the strong biases and prejudices by the society at large against gays and lesbians was approved by the Committee on Human Rights under Akbayan Representative Loretta Ann Rosales.
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House Bill 634, authored by the Committee chair, seeks to eliminate discriminatory practices pertaining to employment and health, education and public services on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Rep. Rosales said that the bill was primarily premised on the equal protection clause guaranteed under the Constitution. It is also in keeping with the country’s commitments under international agreements that seek to ensure respect for the human rights of all persons regardless of sex, identity or any other condition.
The bill defines the term “sexual orientation” as the direction of emotional sexual attraction or conduct towards people of the same sex, of both sexes or of the opposite sex. “Gender identity” refers to the personal sense of identity as characterized, among others, by manners of clothing, inclinations, and behavior in relation to masculine or feminine conventions.
The proposed measure penalizes discriminatory practices committed not only by individuals but also by juridical entities. It further revolutionizes the conventional penalty of imprisonment and fine by introducing community service, in terms of human rights education to the perpetrator and exposure to the plight of the victims.
During the meeting of the Committee, Rep. Rosales informed the body that the House had passed a similar measure on third and final reading during the 12th Congress.
Various non-government organizations and people’s organizations present during the meeting fully supported the bill.
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