Intolerance ..of Injustice

I am glad the COMELEC's recent booboo has elicited strong reactions even from non-LGBTs themselves. We are grateful for the support of senators and congressmen who have stood up for us, whether or not it is for their own political vested interests or not. Akbayan and Sen. Loren Legarda were among the first to release press statements condemning the atrocious decision. My Upsilonian senior brod, Joker Arroyo gave a laudable press statement for recognizing what we have been fighting for so long - discrimination and prejudice against LGBTs.

The media redeeemed itself of past negative portrayals of LGBTs, and even revealed itself as an instrumental LGBT ally. Various articles and editorials have taken the COMELEC to task for its arbitrariness. Fair and objective news coverage included editorials which openly criticized the COMELEC's decision by a division composed of three homophobic commissioners. Ever-popular Manolo Quezon's article provided legal insights that would put to shame commissioners with supposed-law degrees. There were calls for impeachment everywhere and the Commission on Human Rights even expressed its intention to file an intervention in support of AngLadlad. And true to form, Chairperson Leila De Lima pronounced COMELEC's actions as violative of human rights. This is quite significant because she is the first CHR Chair who has officially supported gay rights.

Particularly moving was my women's studies professor and fellow sexual rights advocate, Dr. Guy Claudio's letter. Drawing from her educational training and experience, she cited the fact that even the scientific and medical community has changed its views on homosexuality. Thus, the American Psychiatric Assoc had removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders since the 1970s. She ended by declaring herself "gay" until Ang Ladlad gets justice.

It's good to know Filipinos are not as dumb or as clueless as the COMELEC Commissioners are. They probably thought the LGBT Community is alone in this struggle and it's OK to use their official positions to propagate religous bigotry and impose personal biases under the guise of protecting "the greater majority". Well, dear Commissioners, it appears the general public doesn't share your narrow-mindedness after all.

To date, the community of international human rights NGOs has gotten wind of this development already. I wonder how much longer the Philippine government's alleged election law representatives can stand by such folly.