23/06/2022
SOGIE Bill, is it worth it?
On January 26, 2000, former Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales filed the first Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) or House Bill 09095, marking the beginning of the first congressional fight for equality and protection against discrimination in the country. Since that time, the ADB bill has been filed and refiled in successive Congresses.
In the previous 18 years, there have been advancements for the LGBTQIA+ community. Gender identity was one of the protected groups in the Anti-Discrimination Bill that Rosales submitted in 2003. Even in the lower house, the exact identical bill was passed on the third reading with 118 approval votes and no opposing votes. However, when it reached the Senate, the latter did not take any action.
ADB is now known as the S*xual orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill and passed on the third reading in the House of Representatives last September 20, 2017. However, it failed after hanging in the Senate.
The fight for equality continues as many local governments pass their own versions of anti-discrimination ordinances. But in the absence of a national law, would it be enough to protect the rights of more than 100 million Filipinos?
In December 2020, Sen. Risa Hontiveros sponsored the bill once again, which was called the S*xual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and S*x Characteristics (SOGIESC) Equality Bill or Senate Bill No. 1934.
This bill aims to provide equal protection and fulfill the rights enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. This will recognize the LGBTQIA+ as equals like everyone and ensure their rights are protected. This bill will safeguard the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as their right to access public services, right to use establishments and services, including housing, and right to apply for a professional license, among others. Unequal treatment of a worker or anybody hired to provide services, refusal or revocation of accreditation to any organization owing to an individual's SOGIE, and denial or expulsion from an educational institution will also result in penalties. According to the SOGIE, any kind of harassment or violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals qualifies as discrimination.
Now, is the SOGIE Bill still worth it? Definitely, yes! Not only is the bill punitive, but it also serves a preventative purpose. This bill is not just meant for those who consider themselves members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but for everyone regardless of their s*xual orientation, gender identity, and expression. As we celebrate Pride Month and rally for equality, we must also reiterate our call to the legislative branch of the government - pass the SOGIE Equality Bill now! LGBTQIA+ rights shouldn't be stomped on or disregarded in the present day. Pride is a protest, and a good ally would amplify the calls of the minority.
Sources: https://www.divinalaw.com/news-and-updates/sogie-equality-bill/
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2018/06/25/antidiscrimination-bill-lgbtq.html