Lesbians, Gays demand resignation of DOH’s Ona for homophobic comments

Lesbians, Gays demand resignation of DOH’s Ona for homophobic comments

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona is homophobic. Or at least his comments at a recent convention were.

Gay and lesbian activists are demanding the official’s immediate resignation after he reportedly issued anti-gay comments during the Plenary Meeting of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) last week. LGBT Hate Crime Watch, a human rights watchdog said Ona is guilty of discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT).

During the convention that gathered AIDS prevention workers, Health Secretary Ona reportedly suggested that parents should rein in their homosexual children and have them tested. This immediately elicited angry hoots and whistles from AIDS activists.

“We want Ona ousted. Bigots do not deserve high government posts, and more so, he should not serve as chairman of PNAC if we do not want his unscientific biases to taint the good work of our unsung AIDS prevention heroes nationwide,” said Marlon Lacsamana, the founder of the Philippines LGBT Hate Crime Watch

“We’re wasting our hard-earned taxpayers’ money on homophobes as he is undoing decades of evidence-based prevention practices that aim to encourage homosexuals and transgenders to voluntarily seek testing, counseling, and treatment. Ona’s words will drive LGBTs away from HIV programs and make us so vulnerable to infections,” Lacsamana said.

Last December 3, LGBT activists and supporters held their annual pride march at the Remedios Circle in Malate, Manila. This year’s theme was “Pride of the Orient” to commemorate the country’s achievement of holding the first pride parade in Asia 17 years ago under the leadership of the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay).(Photo courtesy of Charlotte Despuez / Bulatlat.com)

Oscar Atadero, human rights officer of the Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay) said it was regrettable that Ona made his remarks when the World AIDS Day theme this year is about “Getting to Zero.”
The global call by the United Nations for “Zero New HIV Infections” is designed to ensure that most at risk populations (MARPs) get much improved access to treatment for all. The DOH said 7,884 people have been infected with HIV since 1984, including 937 AIDS cases.

“Instead of achieving zero deaths, suggesting that gays, bisexuals and transgenders get tested en masse will achieve zero access, zero treatment and zero saved lives. It feels like gays, bisexuals and transgender are being given a marching order to file into gas ovens in Europe during the time of Hitler,” Atadero said.

The Philippines remains one of the countries with punitive anti-gay laws, such as the Anti-Vagrancy Law, and rampant violence against LGBTs inflicted by police and village security forces. The UN points out that these anti-LGBT policies prevent homosexuals, transgenders, and their partners from accessing life-saving information and treatment..... MORE

Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/12/07/lesbians-gays-demand-resignation-of-doh%E2%80%99s-ona-for-homophobic-comments/