Law protecting Third Sex proposed, backed
By BEN R. ROSARIO


A party-list lawmaker has taken the cudgels for gays and lesbians who are usually the victims of acts of discrimination in society.

Akbayan Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales has sought the imposition of stiff penalties that include a R500,000 fine against any person or entity who would violate a proposed law seeking to ban wrongful treatment of members of the Third Sex.

Lady solons Reps. Nanette Castelo-Daza (Lakas, Quezon City); Annie Susano (Lakas, Quezon City); and Consuelo Dy (Kampi, Pasay City) said they expect groundswell support for the measure in the chamber.
“We anticipate gay and lesbian rights organizations to fully back the measure which is very timely and long overdue,” Daza said.

In filing House Bill (HB) No. 634, Rosales stressed the urgency of enactment of laws that would protect members of the third sex against discriminatory practices based on sex or sexual orientation and gender identity.