SC not condoning bigotry against LGBTQIA+ groups

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Monday said the Supreme Court (SC) would never condone intolerance and bigotry as the Pride Month nears its end.

During the “Judiciary Walks with Pride” event at the SC grounds, Gesmundo stressed that the Philippine Constitution guarantees that no individual shall be deprived of liberty and denied the protection of the law.

“The Constitution is a covenant that any person is assured of due process and equal protection, without distinction, without discrimination. I believe that these constitutional provisions arise from the basic premise that we are all human beings, each entitled to respect and a life lived with dignity,” Gesmundo said, in a statement.

“The Court will never condone intolerance and bigotry,” the top magistrate added..

Associate Justice Henri Inting expressed hopes the event would be the “first of many” to allow more excellent dialogue between the Judiciary and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Gesmundo also led the signing of the “wall of pride,” where participants could write their support for the community.

Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the Supreme Court Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, signs the “Wall of Pride,” which signifies the Judiciary’s recognition, support, and affirmation of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Supreme Court Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary Chairperson Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier initiated the SC’s Pride Month event.