Alyanna Magro

11- Philippians

Passing SOGIE Equality Bill in Senate

Anti- Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE
Bill) is a pending bill authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros which seeks to prohibit discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity of expression. The anti- discrimination bill on
the basis of sexual orientation has languished in the Congress since 1999. Despite the efforts of
people to propose the bill, it remains pending and unaccepted by the senate. In the absence of
a national law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of SOGIE like this bill, the unjust
treatment towards LGBTQ+ people continues to severely impact their well-being and overall
quality of life. The passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill is a matter of national urgency, as more
than 80 million Filipinos reside in areas without anti-discrimination ordinances, with 25.8 million
of them living below the poverty threshold. Passing the SOGIE Equality Bill in Senate will
ensure the recognition of the fundamental rights of a person benefitting them regardless of their
gender, culture, and class through protecting their rights against discrimination.

The Philippines is considered as one of the most “gay-friendly“ country in the Asia Pacific
region, according to the 2013 Pew Research Center survey. Despite this, the LGBTQ+
community have long suffered and continue to experience discrimination, including hate speech,
violence, unequal treatment and even killings. Discrimination in the workplace and educational
institution includes cases of not being hired or promoted, and students being refused admission
because of their sexual orientation. According to some groups, there are already several
ordinances and laws based on SOGIE and discrimination that have been passed which points
out to the lack of importance of the said bill as it only creates a special right for the LGBTQ+
community. Unfortunately, the ordinances implemented are not enough to protect the individual
rights of people with diverse SOGIE. People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community have been
prejudiced and stigmatized for the reason that they do not conform to society’s norms where
men should be masculine and women should be feminine. Discrimination in any form demeans
the dignity and human rights of a person as it limits an individual’s freedom and self-realization.
Furthermore, SOGIE Bill does not negate religious freedom, which is also a fundamental human
right, nor does it create a special right. The rights to equality and freedom from discrimination
based on sex or other status are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR).

In conclusion, I sincerely support measures to protect people with diverse SOGIE from
discrimination, including those addressing issues of employment and associated rights. The
Senate should therefore pass the bill as it benefits the whole diverse humanity. This will
hopefully spark not just policy reform, but also increase the acceptance of persons of diverse
SOGIE in society. The passage of the bill will be a major step towards fulfilling the country’s
duty to fulfill the human rights of all.
i

The Global Divide on Homosexuality, Pew Research Center June 4, 2013

An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation, 11th Congress of the
Philippines