The Philippines Commission on Elections has blocked the LGBT group Ang Ladlad from registering as a political party, claiming it “tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs” and is a “threat to … youth.”
Ang Ladlad had planned to field a candidate for Congress in the May 2010 national elections. “We are not condemning the LGBT, but we cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of people, especially the youth,” the commission said. Ang Ladlad said it will appeal the rejection as far as the nation’s Supreme Court, if necessary. At present, the group has filed a motion for reconsideration with the commission. Activists are concerned the commission will use stalling tactics to delay resolution of the matter beyond imminent election deadlines. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said the issue “demonstrates the urgency for Congress to pass … a law to prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Philippines.”