Queer (LGBTQ+) community against discrimination, and 54% agree that gays and lesbians have contributed a lot to progress in Philippine society. Despite this, the LGBTQ+ community have long suffered and continue to experience discrimination, including hate speech, violence, unequal treatment, and even killings. Discrimination in the workplace and educational institution includes cases of not being hired or promoted, and students being refused admission because of their sexual orientation. The anti-discrimination bill on the basis of sexual orientation has languished in Congress since 1999. 33 Local ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on SOGIE have been passed in local governments, such as Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, and Dinagat Islands, among others.34 These local ordinances significantly contributed to the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ community in our society. Unfortunately, this is not enough to protect the individual rights of people with diverse SOGIE. People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community have been prejudiced and stigmatized for the reason that they do not conform to society‘s norms where men should be masculine and women should be feminine. Discrimination in any form demeans the dignity and human rights of a person as it limits an individual‘s freedom and self-realization. The Commission emphasizes that this proposed measure seeks to address the crucial issues of differential treatment of an employee or anyone engaged to render services, denial of admission or expulsion from educational institution, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of SOGIE. Further, it does not negate religious freedom, which is also a fundamental human right, nor does it create a special right for the LGBTQ+ community. The rights to equality and freedom from discrimination based on sex or other status are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 35 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 36 and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). 37 The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. The Philippines with a State policy to adopt generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and as State Party to the ICCPR and ICESCR, has the obligation to uphold the fundamental rights of equality and non-discrimination by adopting positive measures in all areas to enable very person to enjoy these rights. The proposed measure is an example of a positive action of the State to advance equality and non-discrimination of persons with diverse SOGIE. It is the responsibility of the State to protect the rights and uphold the dignity of all by providing an enabling environment free of discrimination and stigma for everyone to fully enjoy their human rights, and for the LGBTQ+ community to be able to freely express themselves and contribute to the betterment of the community. It is in this light that the Commission, as primary proponent of human rights in the Philippines, guided by the eight key human rights instruments to which the Philippines is a State Party to and the Yogyakarta Principles, expresses its support for the passage of the bill. Human rights are inherent in all persons regardless of gender, race, 33 An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, 11th Congress of the Philippines. Authored by Rep. Etta Rosales and Sen Miriam Santiago 34 https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/gender-issues/100631-ph-anti-discrimination-law-history 35 Articles 1, 2, and 7, Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 36 Articles 2(1), 25, and 26, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 37 Articles 2(2) and 3, International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. GAD January-May 2020 Situation Report CHR-X Page 17 of 20