Human Soul Philippines: Understanding Discrimination

Understanding Discrimination

There are many more stories like those featured in Human Soul. What exactly, though, is discrimination? How does it affect you and the people around you? Educate yourself on stigma and discrimination and see just how pervasive it is in our society. Then, take action!!

Equality and Discrimination

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 1, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1948.

The United Nations defined equality over 60 years ago. However, this was but a global expression of common values that we all hold to be true. Indeed, in our heart of hearts, each of us already has an idea of what is wrong or right. It is what drives that twinge in us, often ignored or not acted upon, when we see some sort of inequality occurring to a fellow human being. Thus, even without a formal declaration, we all inherently understand what discrimination is – to treat someone unfairly, based on things they cannot control.

"Reclaiming the Lucidity of our Hearts"
A speech by Ms. Sass Sasot to an Assembly of the United Nations on International Human Rights Day 2009

The Pink Dot - Singapore
The Pink Dot is a budding movement in Singapore, based on a yearly "action" to show solidarity for the pursuit of a more tolerant, more inclusive Singapore. Watch the video for an inspiring take on why each and every one of us should stand up for those being discriminated against.

The Fight for Equal Rights in the Philippines
The first anti-discrimination bill was filed in 1999 by then Akbayan Representative and now Commission on Human Rights Chair Etta Rosales. Representative Rosales became the Chair of the Human Rights Committee, and under her leadership, the bill was approved on Third Reading by the House during the 12th Congress.

The Senate, however, ignored the bill. The Hello Garci scandal broke out during the 13th Congress, and while Etta Rosales was able to have the bill approved by the committee, Akbayan became part of the minority and she was ousted as Chair of the human rights committee. She was replaced by Bienvenido Abante, a Baptist pastor, who successfully blocked the bill till the 14th Congress.

Today, an anti-discrimination law has yet to be passed in the Philippines. There are currently three bills pending - one in the Senate and two in the House, filed by the Party-list Bayan Muna and Akbayan. Both parties are in the minority however, and legislative support for the bills from other parties is unclear. There is no way to tell when or even if the bills will pass in the near term.

However, there is hope. The Ang Ladlad party-list won a historical battle in 2010, when the Surpreme Court recognized their right to have a transgender nominee for the 2010 national elections. This victory has given new voice to the entire LGBT community, and helps pave the way for greater representation and a renewed call for equal rights for all.

Senate, Anti-Discrimination Bill | Download

The equal protection clause in the Bill of Rights prescribes discrimination on the basis sexual orientation or any other status in the enjoyment of rights. The equal protection clause, according to an eminent constitutionalist, "is the specific constitutional guarantee of the equality of the person.

Congress, Anti-Discrimination Bill 1483 | Download

The present and future realities existing in the country should not be left behind by law. The noble intentions of numerous national and international agreements are still wanting with respect to our compatriot lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs). They continue to be discriminated by society at large, ...LGBTs often find it difficult to exercise their rights as persons, laborers, professionals, and ordinary citizens.

Congress, Anti-Discrimination Bill 515 | Download

Unfortunately, reality has still to catch up ... Lesbians and gays continue to be oppressed by the iniquitous treatment of society at large, primarily because of misconceptions and ignorance. Sadly for our democracy, gays and lesbians are still considered second class citizens when they try to exercise the rights to which they are rightfully entitled.

International Treaties
The Philippines has signed a number of international treaties that uphold human rights for all people. Many treaties have been ratified for over a quarter century, however full implementation remains elusive. The efforts today at passing anti-discrimination bills in the legislature is both an on-going effort to fulfill the country's responsibilities, as well as a reflection of the country's belief in equality, fairness, and the notion of universal rights.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights | Full Text

Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society...shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and ...to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

You can lend your voice by contacting your elected officials. Let them know that you support equal rights, abhor discrimination of any kind, and wish for the Philippines to live up to their international commitments and build a better society. Together, let us take action now.