A bill seeking to amend the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act has been filed to include the protection of husbands and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are suffering from domestic abuse and maltreatment.
House Bill 1365 was filed by neophyte Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) partylist, who said that domestic abuse is not an exclusive problem of women and children.
“It is the fervent hope of this proposed bill that seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9262 and include men and the LGBTQI+ community in its mandate and put an end to the discrimination and domestic abuse and attain a more inclusive society where all human beings are born free and equal,” she said.
The proposed Domestic Violence Act of 2022 seeks the insertion of gender-neutral word “partner” to include men and members of the LGBTQI+ aside from the words “women” and “children” particularly in Section 2 of RA 9262.
The bill states that “partner” includes intimate relationships of husband, men, heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and the like.” “Partner” and “former partner” are also added in the proposed amendment to Section 3.
Meanwhile, Gabriela partlist Rep. Arlene Brosas expressed opposition to the bill, saying that “domestic abuse is about power and control.”
“In an abusive relationship, only one person can be the aggressor. And to be called an abuser, you have to have the upper hand in terms of social and monetary capital. In the Philippine society, where misogyny and sexism are rampant, men always have the upper hand,” she said. – With reports from Daniel Manalastas/AG – gb
