tantamount to mental torture. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights16 condemned the use of ―conversion therapy‖ as it violates the prohibition on torture and degrading treatment. Team Magazine, a local online LGBToriented magazine17 published a story in 2011 of a young man forced to undergo conversion therapy by means of penile plethysmograph. This practice is also called ―sexual orientation change efforts.‖ It has been used to try to alter an individual‘s sexual orientation, but was proven unethical, unscientific, and ineffective. We equally support Section 5 (j), which prohibits profiling based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as it promotes stigma and prejudice among the LGBTQ+ community. It also prohibits individuals from being subjected to detention on the basis of SOGIE by members of law enforcement agencies, including immigration authorities. This provision gives cognizance to Principle No. 7 of the Yogyakarta Principles, which states that all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity are entitled to due process whether or not charged with an offense. We take this opportunity to raise the issue of humane treatment while in detention where people with diverse SOGIE should not be subject to risk of violence or further marginalization. Further, Principle No. 9 strongly urges States to ensure that persons deprived of liberty are able to participate in decisions regarding the place of detention appropriate to their sexual orientation and gender identity. xxx In conclusion, the Commission supports measures to protect people with diverse SOGIE from discrimination, including those addressing issues of employment and associated rights. This measure will hopefully spark not just policy forum, but also increase the acceptance of persons with diverse SOGIE in society, creating a healthy environment conducive for all. The passage of the Anti-discrimination Bill based on SOGIE will be a major step towards fulfilling the State‘s duty to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all. The Senate Bill No. 1271 focused more on the acts of discrimination being faced by persons with diverse SOGIE. The bill defines ‗discrimination‘ as: ‗refers to any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, hereinafter referred to as ―SOGIE‖, and has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, access to, enjoyment, or exercise by all persons on an equal footing of all rights and freedoms. For purposes of this provision, the actual sex, sexual orientation or gender identity of the person subjected to discrimination shall not be relevant for the purpose of determining whether an act of discrimination has been committed.18 The terms sexual orientation, gender identity and expression have a different meaning and should not be used interchangeably with sex. Sexual orientation refers to each person‘s capacity for profound emotional, affectional and sexual attraction to, and intimate and sexual relations with, another person.19 16 Discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, Human Rights Council, 4 May 2015. A/HRC/29/23. 17 Breaking bading – An account of conversion therapy, TEAM Magazine, 06 November 2017, https://teammag.ph/breakingbading-account-conversion-therapy/ 18 Sec. 3(a). 19 Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in relation to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and SexCharacteristic: A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions, Asia Pacific Forum, 2016, 11. GAD January-May 2020 Situation Report CHR-X Page 13 of 20