Comelec rejects party-list bid of gay group ‘on moral grounds’

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has rejected the bid of the gay and lesbian party-list group Ang Ladlad LGBT Party (short name: Ang Ladlad) to join the 2010 national elections, saying that the group’s petition is dismissible on “moral grounds." “The definition (by Ang Ladlad) of the LGBT sector makes it crystal clear that petitioner tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs," the Comelec Second Division said in an eight-page resolution. The poll body cited various passages in the Holy Bible and the Koran which insist that romantic relationships should only be between men and women. In addition, the Comelec reiterated the points raised by its Law Department saying that Ang Ladlad “apparently advocates" sexual immorality, thus violating the Civil Code and the Revised Penal Code. It cited Article 694 of the Civil Code which defines nuisance as “any act, omission, establishment, business, condition of property, or anything else which shocks, defies, or disregards decency or morality." It also cited Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code saying that those who shall “publicly expound or proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals" must be punished. The resolution went on to say that should the commission grant the petition, they will be “exposing" the youth to an environment that “does not conform to the teachings of our faith." “We are not condemning the LGBT, but we cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of our people, especially the youth," it said. The group was also denied registration in time for the 2007 elections because they had allegedly failed to show proof that they represent “a clear sector." [See: Comelec denies party-list bid of gay group] GMANews.TV tried calling Ang Ladlad officials for a comment but none was available as of posting time. - GMANews.TV