LGBT advocates gathered at the People Power monument last Saturday, Mar. 17 to rally for the passage of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Bill (more popularly known as the SOGIE) currently pending in Congress.
The SOGIE Bill seeks to prohibit and penalize discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Under it, members of the LGBTQIA++ community will be ensured their right to unbiased hiring, access to medical services, right to revoke medical services, and, most importantly, their right to basic rights.
Hi guys! I summarized the LGBT rights written in the SOGIE bill (H.B. 4982) into digestables. Hope this is informative for all of you! đ#EqualityNOW pic.twitter.com/LPtopasz9Y
â Melissa Jane Tan (@mellothedough) March 15, 2018
Thereâs been plenty of violent reactions to the passing of the bill through final reading in progress. With the rally that took place the previous weekend, many of those opposing the bill became vocal again.
No to SOGIE bill!https://t.co/Xwbm88CbPh
â Mary Albario (@marymemary13) March 9, 2018
I strongly agree! NO TO SOGIE BILL. pic.twitter.com/yzY6qBXRQw
â ITINAKDA đș (@ostreacharles) March 8, 2018
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=271385590065300&id=246175402586319
It might be noticed that many of comments and concerns brought up against the bill are founded on ignorance and a lack of understanding as to why the bill is needed. Most of them stem from a lack of understanding of the people that this bill would be protecting.
In an attempt to address this, AssortEdge, a media organization that specializes in explanatory journalism, released a simple and colorful primer on sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.
https://www.facebook.com/assortedge/photos/a.1516490991810490.1073742001.601198296673102/1516491391810450/?type=3&theater
Hopefully, those who are so passionately against this bill thatâs promoting equality will give this primer a chance. Try and understand those that they hate, especially those who are anti-SOGIE because of their religious faith.
Header photos courtesy of Facebook.com/assortedge
Read more:
Tips for parents when their LGBTQ children come out
Quezon city is making a registry for its LGBT government employees
Filipino founder of London Biennale gets married in Manila
These 10 films will introduce you to queer cinema
Read more from Anthea Reyes:Â
Tips for parents when their LGBTQ children come out
Quezon city is making a registry for its LGBT government employees
Filipino founder of London Biennale gets married in Manila
Writer: ANTHEA REYES
