House passes anti-discrimination bill on second reading

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the measure that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

Via viva voce voting, the chamber approved House Bill 4982, otherwise known as the SOGIE Equality Bill.

The bill aims to eliminate discriminatory practices based on sex and gender orientation by proscribing and penalizing several acts such as denying access to public services, refusing admission to educational institutions or groups, harassment, coercion and threats.

Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman, one of its authors, celebrated the passage of the bill on second reading.

"Today marks a milestone for equality," she said in a statement.

Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, for her part, said the passage of the bill will bring the fight for gender equality closer to victory.

"Kapag tuluyan nang naisabatas ito, matitiyak nating maipagtatanggol natin ang batayang mga karapatan ng bawat tao, anuman ang kanyang sexual orientation o gender identity at expression," she said.

Akbayan party-list, represented by Tom Villarin at the House, meanwhile, expressed hope that the rights and freedoms of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community will soon be protected by law.

"This brings us closer to a Filipino society that sees other people as fellow people --- no matter what they wear, where they go, and whom they love," the party-list said.

The Senate's version of the bill, on the other hand, is still pending for second reading approval. —NB/JST, GMA News