Two resolutions tackling crimes involving discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) were taken up in
The Bangsamoro Parliament took up two resolutions that tackle SOGIESC-related discrimination in these parts of the Philippines, following increasing – and widely covered – LGBTQIA-related hate crimes happening in Maguindanao in Mindanao, south of the country.
Resolution No. 524 condemns the killing of Omar Zinal and Hamza Rauf, while urging responsible agencies, particularly the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), to “investigate the progress of the case. Authored by Punduma Sani, the resolution was amended to reflect the mandate of the BHRC as part of its role as the gender ombud within the regional government.
Meanwhile, Resolution No. 526 condemns the discrimination that led to violence and murder of LGBTQIA community members in the municipality of Datu Piang in Maguindanao last September 18 and 19. It was also amended to emphasize the need to “develop a concrete action plan” in response to SOGIESC-based violence in the region, upon the prompting of the Office of the Minority Leader of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), Member of the Parliament Atty. Laisa Mashed Alamia.
Writing after the resolutions passed, Alamia stated: “(A)ny discrimination, harassment, inhumane treatment, and crimes such as murder and torture that are committed against members of the LGBTQIA community is against the Constitution and also against the conventions and United Nations treaties that the Philippines is a signatory to.”
This is actually not the first time that such a resolution was filed with the Bangsamoro Parliament, considering the number of SOGIESC-related violence in the region.
Most recently, LGBTQIA people who were playing volleyball in the city’s plaza were bombed, killing one and injuring seven.
Also this year, lesbians (or those suspected to be lesbians) were publicly shaved; and then the shaming was widely shared online.
“I think it is high time for us to stop and control this culture of impunity and silence in the Bangsamoro society when it comes to the protection of the rights of those who have different SOGIE for this does not diminish their humanity,” Alamia added.
The Bangsamoro government, headed by the Office of the Chief Minister, is now urged to develop a concrete action plan for the protection and promotion of the rights of the LGBTQIA community in all areas and spaces in the BARMM territories.
