MANILA – Senators Risa Hontiveros and Leila de Lima aimed to prioritize the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill in the 18th Congress.
Hontiveros said it was a disappointment that there were people still “working to keep equality at bay” in the Philippines with the delayed passage of SOGIE Equality Bill, also known as the Anti-Discrimination Bill.
“The movement will not be stopped. We have gained new allies, we have gathered momentum, we are inspired more than ever to fight and hope. There is a rainbow wave coming,” Hontiveros said.
“The 18th Congress will see the birth of a SOGIE Equality Law. We will come back brighter, stronger, more ready. Today, I am marching to tell everyone: Prejudice will fail. Pride will win,” she added.
De Lima said she was hopeful the SOGIE Equality Bill will turn into law as she was one with those who took to the streets to fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights.
“Kaisa tayo ng LGBTQ community sa pagdiriwang ng Pride Month na siyang sumisimbulo sa kanilang karapatan at kalayaang makapamuhay nang maayos at malayo sa anumang banta,” de Lima said.
“Kasama rin nila ako sa kanilang laban para sa pantay na pagtrato ng lipunan at malayang paggamit ng kanilang mga karapatan,” she added.
Under the bill, the LGBT community will be protected from discriminatory acts and those who will violate will be penalized or could face imprisonment./PN
