Wage ‘all-out war’ vs discrimination, LGBT group urges AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is being challenged to “wage an all out war” against discrimination, particularly on lesbians and gays, a group said Sunday.

In a statement, Project Equality, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights network in the Philippines, challenged the AFP to “wage” the “war” after the declaration that military service is open to gays and lesbians.

“We welcome the statements made by top military officials declaring that lesbians and gays are now accepted in the military. However, this is not insufficient. There has to be a concrete and comprehensive non-discrimination policy in the military,” Project Equality spokesperson Jonas Bagas was quoted as saying.

“There has to be a clear policy explicitly stating that anyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, can join the military provided that they qualify for military service,” Bagas said.

Project Equality also urged the AFP to address other forms of discrimination within the AFP, particularly discrimination once gays and lesbians enter into service.

“Once inside, LGBT soldiers can encounter other forms of discrimination and abuse. That, too, should be prohibited,” Bagas added.

“The military is a macho establishment. Hearing pro-LGBT statements from its officials may be refreshing, but they cannot hide the strong anti-LGBT sentiment in the military,” Bagas said.

The LGBT group also urged AFP chief Gen. Alexander Yano to introduce anti-discrimination reforms in the military if they are “truly serious” with its pro-LGBT stance.