Partylist for gays opposes separate restrooms for third sex

CEBU, Philippines – Ang Ladlad, a partylist for gays, slams the proposed ordinance of Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy requiring business establishments to designate separate rest-rooms for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs).

Contrary to what the proponent might have been thinking, the partylist's Cebu Chapter is not at all supporting the proposal, saying that this will only "perpetuate their marginalized existence."

But Sitoy thinks otherwise.

"I think it is practical kay dapat silang tahuron and it is one way of showing respect," he said.

Sitoy's proposal to have separate restrooms in business establishments is optional and not compulsory.

The lawmaker sees LGBTs as battered members of society.

Ang Ladlad Party List is the national organization of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender Filipinos. It has 50,000 affiliates, allies, and members all over the coun-try.

Jubelle Toledo, one of Ladlad's officers in Cebu City, stresses that requiring all establishments to put up a separate facility means that LGBTs are being treated differ-ently and this could isolate or marginalize them even more.

The chairperson of Ang Ladlad, Bemz Benedito, explains that even if she is a transgender woman, she still uses the female restroom.

"LGBTs only get confused on what restroom to use when other people start calling their attention on this matter. We know PB Sitoy has good intentions, but this ordi-nance could potentially alienate and isolate LGBT Filipinos more from the rest of the society," he said.

Sitoy said he already had this idea in mind even when he was still the mayor of Cordova. He sees this as the first step to recognize the third sex in the society.

The vice chairperson of Ang Ladlad, lawyer Germaine Leonin, suggests that the local legislators should conduct consultation meetings with their LGBT constituents to know what issues and concerns they face and what response need to be done.

"I am appealing to Mr. Sitoy to talk to the local LGBT community instead, and ask them about their concerns and address those issues through proper legislation. Why not pass a local version of the Anti-Discrimination Bill?" Leonin said.

Sitoy stresses that a public hearing will be made before the ordinance will be passed in order to get the sides of the LGBTs. (FREEMAN)