Philippine gay group fights to contest elections

[WillParkinson]

Philippine gay group fights to contest elections
By The Associated Press
11.20.2009 4:15pm EST

(Manila, Philippines) A Philippine gay rights group is waging a legal battle to be allowed to run in next year’s polls after the Elections Commission ruled it cannot register as a political party on grounds that it advocates immorality.

The decision last week against Ang Ladlad (Out of the Closet), a group representing lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, sent shock waves through the gay community.

In issuing its decision, the commission said the group “tolerates immorality which offends religious beliefs” and exposes young people to “an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith.” The ruling cited passages from th/e Bible and the Quran condemning homosexuality.

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