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The #YesToSogieBill currently resides within the top 3 trends on Twitter after the House of Representatives continued the deliberations on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill yesterday, November 4, 2020.
Netizens plagued the said media platform expressing their perception about the bill featuring both oppositions and support.
Among the people that shared their opinion via Twitter is Senator Risa Hontiveros who reiterated that SOGIE is not just for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone, including those in opposition.
"SOGIE equality ensures EVERYONE is protected. (Even those who tweet #NoToSOGIEBill 😔)" Hontiveros tweeted.
She also added in the same tweet that, "Equality means no one gets excluded, discriminated vs or left behind. Lahat tayo may SOGIE."
Hours before the #YesToSogieBill trended, the #NoToSogiesBill was first to occupy the top 3 trends in same web portal.
IN SUPPORT
Gabriela chairperson, Sister Mary John Mananzan insisted during an online hearing, that religion should not be used to justify discrimination.
"They are saying na I am justifying everything SOGIE people are doing. I am not saying that, I am just saying that they have all the rights that everybody is enjoying and I don't see any reason why anybody would be against that." she said.
Among the reasons why SOGIE Equality Bill is opposed is because of beliefs and religion.
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender politician elected in the House of Representatives and proponent of the bill, urged her colleagues to read the SOGIE bill thoroughly before deciding against it.
She also added that there is nothing to worry about the bill since it only seeks to promote equality among Filipinos regardless of their sexual orientation or gender.
"My request at this point because it is still early is that we all read the bill. Let us not be carried away by extrapolations, nor by fear," Roman said.
OPPOSITION
Jesus is Lord Church founder and House Deputy Speaker, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, claimed that the proposed SOGIE Equality Bill will give unduly specials rights to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
"Let it be put to record that this representation is in opposition to SOGIE bill — that is, in its current form and provisions, which I believe will not promote equality but will, instead, unduly give special rights to some members of our society," he said in a privilege speech yesterday.
Villanueva as the representative of CIBAC party list in the House of Representatives said that a law against the discrimination of members of the LGBTQ+ community is no longer needed since there are already various laws against harassment.
"I see the bill as loaded with legal infirmities and unsettling questions on social acceptability and feasibility of implementation that I cannot just let it pass without thorough discussion on what it seeks to address," Villanueva said.
He also warned that the passage of the SOGIE bill will threaten freedom of speech and religion, as well as curb academic independence of schools.
SOGIE Equality Bill
Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, also known as Anti-Discrimination Bill (ADB) is a bill that was first filed by the late Senator Meriam Defensor Santiago and former Akbayan representative Loretta Rosales in 2000.
Its purpose is to eradicate any acts of discrimination based on an individuals gender orientation, identity and expression.
According to Atty. Kristine Mendoza, a lawyer who works at the office of Senator Hontiveros, the bill also seeks to safeguard all people, may be straight or not.
"The bill aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of SOGIE, so even the 'straights' are protected by this bill" Mendoza said.
Photo from gettyimages
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