Equality

Equality.
When we hear the word equality, the first thing that comes into our mind is, fairness. Equal
rights among people. And when we talk about equality, the first on the list is the LGBTQIA+. Many people
believed that they didn’t receive the equal rights because they are being discriminated based on what
their look, what they are, and who they are. That’s why there is a proposed bill that promoting equal
rights and anti-discrimination among the LGBTQIA+ community which is called the SOGIE Bill or (Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression). Before it was SOGI bill filed by Senator Miriam Defensor
Santiago. On the 17th congress it became SOGIE bill and the longest running bill. And now on the 18 th
congress, there is a new proposal about this bill stating that “Any form of discrimination threatens social
stability and economic progress in the Philippines, making it imperative that discrimination—or any act
that establishes, promotes and perpetuates standing inequalities and disregards the right to 'equality of
treatment' afforded by the 1987 Constitution—be reduced". But how this bill brought back again to the
senate?
This is the most controversial topic since a transgender woman named Gretchen Diez was being arrested
in attempting to used female’s restroom. Many became concerned and was on her side as she files
against the janitress who was the one that put her in jail. While the others are on the janitress side
saying that the janitress was only doing her job. She became the model of the LGBTQ+ since the issue
has arisen. With the incident, the call for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ was renewed. thus, the SOGIE bill
was proposed. Many agree and disagree about this proposed bill but come to think of it, if this bill will be
passed, will this really promote equality among LGBTQ+ community or will it just give them a special
right? I think the bill, in the long run, lessen the authorities of parents over their children and hinders
them from guiding their children towards the righteous path. also, academic freedom will be affected
since all context must bear this so-called equality and gender sensitivity .and lastly, the members of
LGBTQ+ will seem to have special rights since they are always clamoring for special treatment. Going
back to the rest room issue, I feel so awkward when my gay friends enter a female restroom and I oust
them away because it was imprinted on my mind that a female restroom is for female and male restroom
for male just like the opinion of Jake Zyrus who has transman now. He stated that biologically he still a
female and he used the female restroom. Simple as that. I think what it makes complicated is that senate
give too much attention to this issue. That this, Gretchen Diez take advantage on what she wants or
demands for the LGBTQ+ community.
No offense to the LGBTQ+ community but I think this bill should not be passed because as what stated
by Ryan Borja Capitulo, there is already existing law that safeguard the rights of every citizen against
discrimination: (1) The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, (2) Presidential Decree No.
442 “Labor Code of the Philippines,” (3) Republic Act No. 386 “Civil Code of the Philippines,” (4) Republic
Act No. 3019 “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” (5) Republic Act No. 6713 “Code of Conduct and
Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” (6) Republic Act No. 3815 “The Revised Penal Code
of the Philippines,” (7) Republic Act No. 7877 “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995,” including the (8)
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There are people who are being discriminated because of their
dialects, body, and their skin color but did they demand for an anti-discrimination act? NO. Just like Sen.
Nancy Binay who’s skin color has been a subject of insults and jokes she asked the senate does that
mean she need to file a bill that protect people like her? and then she stated that when it comes to
discrimination, it should be more universal and more encompassing. To the LGBTQ+ community, they
also need to show that they should be respected. Respect should be EARNED not DEMANDED. This
country allows them to express themselves. This country allows them to do what they want and act
whatever they wanted. But please don't go too far. You should know the existing laws about equality and
anti-discrimination laws that you can use to your discriminators. You don't need to push this bill. We
accept you. This issue reached the senate while other issues don't. LGBT community matters but the
rights and respect for everyone matters most.

Equality

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Equality

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Equality.

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