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member, Human Development and Harmony Cluster, Pamayanang SanibLakas ng Pilipinas
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Repudiation of all physical, cultural and philosophical & religious justifications for macho-patriarchal beliefs, rules and practices Promotion and institutionalization of genuine respect between the sexes Promotion of equality of opportunities for all individuals regardless of sex or gender preference Attainment of Equality view as institutionalized standard and, upon this premise, focusing on work for Holistic Harmony between the sexes.
1. Total Human Development and Harmony Through Synergism 2. Holistic Health Care and Medicine 3. Deep Ecology and Harmony with Nature 4. Sense of History and Sense of Mission 5. Civics and Democratic Governance 6. Culture as Community Creativity 7. Light-Seeking and Light-Sharing Education 8. Gender Sensitivity, Equality & Harmony 9. Reconstructive/Restor-ative Justice 10. Associative Economics, Social Capital and Sustainable Development 11. Synergetic Leadership and Organizations 12. Appropriate/Adaptive Technology 13. Mutual Enrichment of Families and Friendships 14. Human Dignity and Human Harmony: Human Rights and Peace 15. Aesthetics Without Boundaries: 'Art from the Heart' . |
On Homophobia & Gender Sensitivity by Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel Member for Akbayan Party-List, House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines Privilege
Speech delivered before a House plenary session in August 2007. AS A PROPONENT gender balance in the selection of this Chamber's leaderhip, it ess very disappointing to me that the election of a woman Deputy Speaker yesterday was marred with sexism and trivializing. As an institution, Congress is
expected to embody the sense of equality and dignity that a Constitution
affirms. Each Member of this Chamber is therefore expected to personify
the basic principles of human rights and dignity, equality of all, justice and
wisdom. The issue was raised by this
Representation at the beginning of the 14th Congress because this Chamber has
been remiss in ensuring gender balance in choosing its leaders. In terms
of leadership selection, this Chamber has walked like, talked like and acted
like a university fraternity. No wonder as I have stressed in a speech
last week, why no law on women’s rights was enacted during the 13th
Congress. But electing a woman Deputy
Speaker should not be an act of tokenism. I hope that Representative
Villarosa was not elected to handle “women’s issue” so called. To think
so would be to confirm that Congress women are second-class legislators.
To believe so would be to commit an act of segregation that only the woman
Deputy Speaker should be concerned with women’s issues and the rest of the
leadership can just ignore one half of society. I also hope that the woman
Deputy Speaker was not elected because of her political affinity, because
otherwise it would just doubled the act of tokenism. Again, leadership
selection must be based on competence not
patronage. It is also disturbing to note,
Mr. Speaker, that homophobia was used to question the exercise of gender
balance in the election of the woman Deputy Speaker. In the same manner
that the positions of leadership in Congress are not reserved for men, they
should not be reserved exclusively for heterosexuals alone. It is disturbing to
note that discriminatory remarks were made yesterday. We should
constantly remind ourselves that this Chamber’s mandate comes from all
Filipinos. From straight men and women, from lesbians, gays, bisexuals
and transgenders. There would be nothing wrong with the lesbian Speaker
of the House, or a gay Deputy Speaker, and one’s sexual orientation should not
be the basis of selecting our leaders. Homophobia – or hatred against
homosexuals – is a breeding ground for discrimination and other forms of
abuses. When we convey to the public that they do not deserve to be
selected to the leadership of the House, we are limiting opportunities that
should be accorded to all. When we question their capacity and competence
on the basis of their sexual orientation, we are imposing a limitation to their
exercise and enjoyment of their equal rights and fundamental freedoms.
This, according to the United Nations, is an act of discrimination that
violates various human rights instruments and conventions that the Philippines
has signed. In light of what took place
yesterday, Mr. Speaker, this Representation wishes to make, in turn, two
motions: First, I respectfully move
that the reference to the words “Third Sex” be stricken off from the House
Journal and the official records of this Chamber, for the simple reason that
the term represents homophobia and sexism. There is no such a creature
and there is no hierarchy among the sexes. To use the term is to
perpetuate the false notion that men belong to the first or the superior sex,
women to the second and inferior sex, and lesbians and gays to the third and
most inferior to the third and most inferior sex. I also encourage my dear
colleagues to refrain from using third sex again and to use instead the more
appropriate term which is lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender or
LGBT. I so move, Mr. Speaker. Second and lastly, I also move
that the House Secretariat be directed to develop a gender sensitivity program
for Members of Congress. If possible, let’s make this program mandatory so as
to educate ourselves that the issues of women are issues of men as well, and
that women’s rights are part of human rights. Again, I so move, Mr. Speaker. Marami pong salamat, Mr.
Speaker, at sa inyong lahat din. |
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