Gay, Lesbian and Trans-gender, are They Immoral?

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Last week a very shocking pronouncement  was made by the Commission on Election of the Philippines declaring “LADLAD“, an acronym for an organization composed of gays, lesbians and trans-genders, disqualified to participate in the party-list election coming 2010 for being immoral and not representing a marginalized sector of their society.

The Philippine electoral system allow marginalized sectors to be represented in the Congress by fielding their slate in the party-list election. “LADLAD’‘ was one of the many sectors that signified their interest to participate in the electoral process, but, with great dismay, declared disqualified.

I am not pro-third sex, more so, advocating same sex-marriages but , in this instance, any where you go, third-sex community has become very visible and  very active on various social-political issues engaging in major functions in the society aside from their economic interventions as well.

What shocked the attention of the many was the pronouncement that ‘LADLAD”is immoral, hence, should be disqualified. Is morality a basis for public service? I may admit , maybe yes. But what standard of  morality is required to qualify for public office? Is being a member of the third-sex community immoral? To some extent maybe yes. But is it enough basis to deny them their basic political rights?

I remember the  “Don’t ask, don’t answer”policy by Obama administration when it comes to gender question in the U.S. mililitary service, in recognition of the right of the third-sex in the military. In many instances as well, we hear of gay priests, gay officers, lesbian couples living like ordinary individuals in different parts of the world, yet enjoying equal rights with the normal ones.

Although the Philippines has championed the “People Power“, still, there’s a lot more to be done in perfecting democracy in the country. Political pluralism should not be hindered by social or sexual biases.

To realize the aspired purpose of party-list system, I believe, “LADLAD” should be allowed representation in the congress to equalize political opportunities in a democratic state like Philippines.

Do you agree?