LGBT rights in the Philippines
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT) in the Philippines face legal challenges not faced by non-LGBT people, with numerous anti-discrimination legislations, bills and laws that are struggling to be passed on a national level to protect LGBT rights nationwide, with some parts of the country only existing on a local government level. LGBT individuals in the Philippines are often faced with disadvantages and difficulties in acquiring equal rights within the country. They also have a higher rate of suicide and suicide ideation compared to their heterosexual counterparts.[5][6]
This article may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. (July 2021) |
LGBT rights in the Philippines | |
---|---|
Status | Legal |
Gender identity | Transgender people are not allowed to change legal gender |
Military | Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people allowed to serve openly since 2009; Some restrictions on gender expression based on legal gender (ie. uniform) |
Discrimination protections | None at the national level, but many anti-discrimination ordinances exist at the local government level in some parts of the country |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | None; same-sex civil union bills pending[1][2] |
Restrictions | No constitutional prohibition but the Family Code of the Philippines defined marriage as "a permanent special contract union between a man and a woman".[3] |
Adoption | Single individuals are allowed regardless of sexual orientation, but not for same-sex couples. Single LGBT adopters may sometimes be refused to adopt as unfit under "good moral character" criteria.[4] |
Many bills for LGBT rights have been proposed since, including an anti-discrimination bill, which has been debated since 2000.[7] Despite failing to pass in the national government, many anti-discrimination ordinances exist at a local government level in eight provinces and various cities in the Philippines, including the capital Manila,[8] and major cities such as Iloilo City, Cebu City,[9] and Davao City.[10]
Meanwhile, an anti-bullying law exists, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as some of its prohibited grounds.[11]
In 2022, two civil union bills have been refiled and proposed in Philippine Congress; both of which seek to recognize, provide benefits and protection for same-sex couples in the Philippines.[12][13]
As a member of the United Nations, the Philippines is signatory to various international covenants promoting human rights including LGBT rights.[14]
Alongside these developments, LGBT movements in the Philippines have been very active and gained some political representation.[15][16]