Gay groups oppose anti-condom ordinance
30 March 2011
MANILA, Philippines - Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights (LGBT) activists cried foul over proposed ordinances restricting the sale, distribution and use of condoms in several villages in Balanga, Bataan and Muntinlupa City.
Goya Candelario, spokesperson of the Progressive Organization of Gays (ProGay Philippines), said that the group opposes the successive passage of local ordinances that require consumers to obtain medical prescriptions for acquiring condoms in Manila and in Bataan.
"This is such a dangerous trend, coming at a time when HIV infections in the Philippines have suddenly increased in the past two years. Making it difficult for most at risk populations or MARPs to obtain preventive measures such as condoms can surely promote more transmission of HIV and parallel infections," Candelario said.
The group said that condom ordinances in Bataan would increase the sense of shame and discrimination that LGBTs suffer, raising the likelihood that young and low income gays would practice unprotected sex.
An ABS-CBN report earlier said 7 barangays in Balanga City in Bataan province have issued ordinances that ban the sale of condoms without a doctor's prescription, similar to the one in barangay Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
ProGay, meanwhile, backed the passage of the comprehensive Reproductive Health bill in Congress. ProGay said that although LGBT health concerns are not yet highlighted in in HB 4244, any positive reproductive health measure can eventually benefit LGBTs as some services, education campaigns and benefits can be tailored by creative local governments to cater to the special needs of LGBTs.
"Gays and lesbians are also members of poor families and caring and providing for health needs that are part of our burdens. If the RH Bill is passed, that would provide a little government assistance for health care, lessening costs which can then be channeled for education, housing and food," Candelario explained.
Source: ABS CBN.
30 March 2011
MANILA, Philippines - Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights (LGBT) activists cried foul over proposed ordinances restricting the sale, distribution and use of condoms in several villages in Balanga, Bataan and Muntinlupa City.
Goya Candelario, spokesperson of the Progressive Organization of Gays (ProGay Philippines), said that the group opposes the successive passage of local ordinances that require consumers to obtain medical prescriptions for acquiring condoms in Manila and in Bataan.
"This is such a dangerous trend, coming at a time when HIV infections in the Philippines have suddenly increased in the past two years. Making it difficult for most at risk populations or MARPs to obtain preventive measures such as condoms can surely promote more transmission of HIV and parallel infections," Candelario said.
The group said that condom ordinances in Bataan would increase the sense of shame and discrimination that LGBTs suffer, raising the likelihood that young and low income gays would practice unprotected sex.
An ABS-CBN report earlier said 7 barangays in Balanga City in Bataan province have issued ordinances that ban the sale of condoms without a doctor's prescription, similar to the one in barangay Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
ProGay, meanwhile, backed the passage of the comprehensive Reproductive Health bill in Congress. ProGay said that although LGBT health concerns are not yet highlighted in in HB 4244, any positive reproductive health measure can eventually benefit LGBTs as some services, education campaigns and benefits can be tailored by creative local governments to cater to the special needs of LGBTs.
"Gays and lesbians are also members of poor families and caring and providing for health needs that are part of our burdens. If the RH Bill is passed, that would provide a little government assistance for health care, lessening costs which can then be channeled for education, housing and food," Candelario explained.
Source: ABS CBN.
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