PHILIPPINES - Jan 19, 2003
MANILA, January 20, 2003 – The Lesbian and Gay Legislative Advocacy Network (LAGABLAB) is appealing to the 4th World Meeting of Families to reflect on their relationships with gay and lesbian family members and urged them to put an end to cycles of hatred. In particular, the network will emphasize stories of disownment or domestic violence gays and lesbians experience from their parents.“Every lesbian and gay man belongs to a family and like any other, we yearn for love, respect and acceptance”, said Jonas Bagas, secretary general of LAGABLAB. The Catholic-organized gathering takes place in Manila from January 22 to 26. According to the gay and lesbian coalition, the Catholic Church is guilty of “having divided families" because of its un-Christlike condemnation of homosexuality. “This meeting is an opportune time for both the Filipino family and the Catholic Church to reflect on its values and practices, and review how its values gays and lesbians as part of its family”, added Bagas. LAGABLAB is a broad network of gay and lesbian organizations and individuals working for the protection and promotion of the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgenders (LGBTs) in the Philippines. |
