Gay Party Bared From Philippines Election

The Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) has blocked the LGBT group Ang Ladlad from registering as a political party. Comelec claims the group is a threat to the nation's youth.

"We are not condemning the LGBT, but we cannot compromise the well-being of the greater number of people, especially the youth," the commission said, reports Bay Windows.

In response, the group's president, Danton Remoto, entered the country's senatorial race Tuesday with the goal of ensuring that the national government addresses LGBT issues.

While currently an independent, Remoto hopes a major political party will adopt him as long as his party continues to be banned.

"I'm filing ... as an assurance in case the Comelec does not see the light and [does] not let [Ang] Ladlad run," Remoto told reporters, according to the Philippine Star.

Ang Ladlad said it will appeal the Comelec rejection as far as the nation's supreme court if need be. Currently, the group has filed a motion for reconsideration with the commission.