The Philippine Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a decision from the Elections Commission, which barred a gay rights group from recognition as a legitimate political party.
The 13-2 court ruling threw out the Election Commission’s argument that Ang Ladlad (Out of the Closet) should be denied political party status because it tolerates immorality and insults Christian and Muslim beliefs.
“The denial of Ang Ladlad’s registration on purely moral grounds amounts more to a statement of dislike and disapproval of homosexuals, rather than a tool to further any substantial public interest,” the court said.
In November, the Elections Commission upset gays and liberals when it denied Ang Ladlad it’s party status. Three commissioners cited quotes from the Bible and Quran and said that the group exposes young people to “an environment that does not conform to the teachings of our faith.”
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