MANILA, Philippines – More than 200 organizations across the private sector, including women and youth groups, religious groups, and groups fighting for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ (LGBTQ+) community, urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify the SOGIE equality bill as urgent. The national and community-based organizations banded together in what they call The Equality Alliance to send an open letter to the President requesting the prioritization of the bill.
The measure seeks to penalize discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression or SOGIE. It has been languishing in Congress for over two decades. If passed, the bill would ensure everyone’s protection from SOGIE-based discrimination and harassment in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
“The [proposed SOGIE] Equality Law will strengthen families and place children in situations of love and safety, no matter their SOGIE. The law will acknowledge and boost the economic contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals,” the advocates said in their letter, which was read aloud in a press briefing on Friday, June 14. The advocates told the President, “Make equality your legacy – a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ (New Philippines) built on mutual respect, love, and acceptance.
” While not having certified the SOGIE bill as urgent, so far, Marcos has been known to support gender-inclusive policies. In December 2023, he issued Executive Order No.
