Duterte, Go prop SOGIE

Go said that one of the proposals is the possibility of creating a commission for LGBTQ pending the enactment of a SOGIE law

Malacañang will work with both houses of Congress to push for the passage of the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression) Equality Bill that would protect the rights of individuals against discrimination.

President Rodrigo Duterte assured this yesterday as he expressed his full support to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning) community yesterday in a meeting with LGBTQ advocates.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go set up the meeting upon the request of key LGBTQ advocates led by Boobsie Savares.

Also invited to the meeting were 1st District of Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman

and Gretchen Diez, a transwoman who figured in the news recently for being arrested after an altercation that started when a mall employee prevented her from using a restroom for female customers.

Go said that one of the proposals is the possibility of creating a commission for LGBTQ pending the enactment of a SOGIE law. The President, according to Go will sign an Executive Order that will create the commission.

Convention set

In addition, the government, together with LGBTQ groups, also plan to organize a national LGBTQ convention where advocates from different regions will be represented. The convention will serve as a venue for the LGBTQ community to raise their concerns and come up with policy proposals to promote and protect their welfare.

The LGBTQ advocates expressed their gratitude after the meeting and are looking forward to the passage of a law that will protect them from discrimination before the President’s term ends.

Go, for his part, has been vocal with his support to the proposed SOGIE law. He manifested his support to the SOGIE bill during the Senate session on 14 August.

“We are all equal under the law and it is our duty in this institution to ensure that all Filipinos—regardless of their age, sex, religion, ethnicity or gender orientation—are treated equally and justly,” Go said in the session.

Pride from diversity

“As a country that prides itself for its diversity, it is our moral obligation to safeguard a culture of acceptance and inclusivity to ensure that our children and generations of Filipinos to come will live in a nation where they feel loved, cared for and accepted,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is setting up “All Gender Restroom” facilities in all its seaport terminals and offices nationwide in its bid to promote gender sensitivity and inclusivity.

The facilities will be completed and available in all PPA facilities not later than the end of August this year.

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