Gay Political Party Recognized in Philippines

The Philippine supreme court overturned a ban on a gay rights group Thursday and recognized it as a legitimate political party.

According to the Associated Press, the ruling reversed a decision by the election commission that outlawed the gay political party on the basis of "immorality" and offensiveness to Christians and Muslims.

"In a unanimous ruling, the 15-member court threw out decisions by the Elections Commission denying accreditation to Ang Ladlad (Out of the Closet) on grounds that it tolerates immorality and offends both Christians and Muslims," reported the AP.

"The justices said the party had complied with all legal requirements, and that there is no law against homosexuality."

Ang Ladlad seeks to win 50 of the 286 seats in the house of representatives set aside for marginalized groups, according to the AP.