homophobic discrimination

Two men published a Facebook post of them kissing, which sparked hundreds of homophobic comments. At their request, an LGBTQ rights advocacy organization complained to the prosecutor’s office, asking to launch an investigation for instigation of homophobic hatred and violence. Both the prosecutor’s office and court on appeal refused on the basis that the post was “eccentric” and the authors’ comments, even though obscene, did not contain actual criminal act and intent.

In 2021, an administrative complaint was filed regarding Filipino lawyers’ Facebook posts. The Facebook messages exchanged between the lawyers consisted of homophobic language and boasts about the prosecution and conviction of a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. The messages also disparaged an “effeminate” judge. The lawyers claimed that, because they restricted the posts to those they are “friends” with on Facebook, their actions should be shielded by the right to privacy.