Philippine police
warn gays in uniform not to sway hips

Philippine police issued a warning to gay officers not to sway their hips or display other suggestive behavior while on duty or they could risk losing their jobs. "If they sway their hips while marching, or if they engage in lustful conduct, I think that will be a ground for separation," Philippine National Police spokesman chief superintendent Samuel Pagdilao said Thursday.

Pagdilao said the police department does not discriminate against gays, but will not hesitate to fire those who misbehave.

"As an institution, the PNP does not look at or interfere with one's sexual preference," Pagdilao told Manila Radio DZXL. "But it does look at its members' conduct. If they behave within the norm, I don't think we'll have a problem."

The Philippines has a reputation for tolerance toward LGBT people; however, a party representing lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people was recently refused registration for May congressional elections on the grounds that it does not have nationwide chapters. Its members are appealing. (AP)