The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through our office in Region XII, is already conducting an investigation on the news report showing LGBTQI individuals in Ampatuan, Maguindanao being forced to have their heads shaved. In a social media post by a local news organisation, it was claimed that the forced head shaving was done because Islamic beliefs prohibit homosexuality.

CHR finds this incident deeply concerning, especially as the country celebrates Pride Month this June. As the country’s Gender Ombud and independent national human rights institution, CHR continues to stress that no person should ever suffer discrimination and harm on the basis of one’s affiliation or creed, or because of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). All persons are free and equal in dignity and rights. LGBTQI rights are human rights.

We stress that not even a religious belief can justify a human rights violation. Religious freedom, while it includes the absolute right to believe in a dogma, cannot transgress on the rights of others nor be used to justify harm and violence. This is especially so when current laws, such as the Safe Spaces Act, uphold the right of all persons from harassment, including protection from remarks and slurs that betray hatred and fear of members of the LGBTQI community.

It further bears noting that ending the stigma, discrimination, and violence faced by the LGBTQI community should be a concern of all. The LGBTQI community is very much part of our society and they deserve equal right to safety and security in private and public spaces. The right to dignity includes the right of every person to be able to live their truths as to their identity; to be able to express; to be recognised; and to be respected as humans with rights.

As of typing time, the said new report has already been taken down by the news organisation that broke the news. We shall continue pursue this incident as part of our mandate in discovering the truth behind alleged cases of human rights violations, and to remind the government of their obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights and dignity of all. ###