Jennifer Laude Slay Case: LGBTQ Community Disappointed with Pemberton's Early Release

Various LGBT groups have strongly condemned the release order issued by Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 to release the suspect in the murder of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in 2014.

Lance Cpl. Joseph Pemberton was sentenced to 6-10 years in prison after being convicted of homicide.

On Tuesday, the Olongapo City court granted Pemberton's early release plea under the good conduct time allowance rule (GCTA).

If you recall, the said US Marine admitted to beating and strangling Laude to death when Pemberton found out that she is a transgender.

In a Facebook post, Lagablab LGBT network expressed their anger over the court's decision. They say Pemberton's early release was not enough compensation for the crime he committed.

Pemberton is currently imprisoned at Camp Aguinaldo instead of being placed in a regular jail. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.

For the LGBT group Bahaghari, this step is not only proof of the ongoing struggle of the LGBT community in the Philippines but also of the country's stance that it is more in favor of America.

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