Sara Duterte backs civil unions, anti-discrimination law for LGBTQIA+ members

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday pushed for the enactment of two bills that would support members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

During the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) Pride event held in San Fernando City, Pampanga, Duterte said there are two measures that are currently “ripe” to become laws. 

She said the proposed Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act is not merely about protecting a specific group but about upholding human dignity for all, as enshrined in global human rights covenants. 

“This is a universal human obligation, and it is time we enshrined it into national law,” she said.

She also backed the proposed Civil Union Act, which seeks to amend the Family Code, defining civil unions as legal relationships for same-sex couples and granting rights in areas like property, inheritance, adoption, and social security. 

“I invite scholars to study the social and economic implications of the Civil Union Act as we endeavor to address the unique circumstances of civil partners, moving beyond mere accommodation to genuine, tailored inclusion,” Duterte said.

Moreover, the Vice President called for the strengthening of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, stressing the need for better implementation to address gender-based harassment, especially in the digital age. 

She said there should be LGBTQIA+ focal desks in law enforcement agencies and offices that would create halfway homes and emergency shelters for survivors of abuse and put up dedicated helplines for psychosocial support.

The Vice President, however, was mum when asked in a press conference if she would support the SOGIE Equality bill, which aims to prevent discrimination against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, which every person has. 

Duterte also called for the creation of the National LGBTQIA+ Commission, which would serve as the comprehensive lead agency in crafting evidence-based policies and empowerment programs, especially for vulnerable sectors like the youth. 

“While an Inter-Agency Committee led by the DSWD exists, a dedicated Commission is crucial for holistic, nationwide inclusion,” she said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News